The Shamrock 8k is a wonderful race. If the crazy Virginia Beach weather is on your side, it's a great course for a PR attempt. It's flat with few hard turns and easy to take tangents if you're not in the middle of the pack. In 2017 it was host to the USATF Masters 8k Championship. The 8k is Saturday and can be a great warm-up for Sunday's half or full marathon.

Expo - The expo is large but easy to get through. This year the speaker series included Shalane Flannagan and Elyse Kopecky! You get your bib with b-tag timing chip and your race shirt at the expo. It's a cotton long sleeve t for 8k runners, a tech t-shirt for half marathoners and a long sleeve version for marathon runners. It goes on for two days and is in walking distance of many hotels but also has plenty of free parking.

Start - Centered at the Hilton, there are both indoor and outdoor restroom options if you feel like waiting. Gear check is easily accessible and well organized. Parking is free if you're willing to walk a bit and around $10 in garages if you'd like to get closer. Either way there's enough of it for the 7,000+ runners. The start has corrals and they're easy to navigate.

Course - Even with the corrals things can be a little traffic filled early on. A long straightaway welcomes you to a loose u-turn headed north in Mile 3. Another lengthy straightaway then a jog to head one block west puts you another half mile straight north. A final u-turn puts you south on the boardwalk for the last 800 or so meters as you stare down the finish arch. Did I mention it's flat? So incredibly flat.

Course Support - DJs and two water stops dot the course. Because you're running down the main oceanfront drag and then on the boardwalk, crowd support never lacks. A great chance to get your feet wet with a fun race experience.

Finish - After feeling like you'll never get there from staring at it for the last half mile, you finally hit the finish line. You'll receive a nice medal, other goodies including a drawstring backpack, a koozie, water, banana, cookies and chips. You'll also get a finisher photo that you can download for free. All race photos for Shamrock Weekend are free!

After Party - Post race you're heading to the party tent. With four complimentary beer tickets on your bib, you can't say no to the Yuengling. You'll also get a cup of Irish stew and a lively concert from any number of local bands. The tent keeps you warm and dry while loads of port-a-potties just outside are usually line free. Fun is had by all on the beach.

Swag - Great swag. From tech shirts to big medals, the free race photos and complimentary beer, it's some of the best around. Half and full marathoners also get hats, beach towels and two days of partying so it pays to register for the Whale (8k/marathon) or Dolphin (8k/half) Challenges.

All of the Shamrock races are great and definitely worth a visit at least once.