I paced the 1:52 group for this year's Shamrock and loved every minute of it.

Expo was a breeze though the Convention Center, located right off the highway, can be short on parking. Registration is online though there were spots available at this year's expo, too.

Getting down to the race was no problem but I know parking does fill up as the Start approaches and can become problematic. The race starts at 7 and at 6:30, I ran a mile warm-up that included a trip to gear check near the Finish then used my clean, indoor restroom at work (3 blocks from the start) once more before my pacer buddy Kevin and I made for our corral.

There was a stiff breeze and the temperature was a bit chilly, typical for this race, as Kevin and I weaved through thousands of pumped up runners to arrive in Corral 3 with plenty of time to spare. There were lots of Port-a-Potties near the Start with lines that didn’t seem too bad. People were excited to see us and it was great to get to know some of the ladies and gents we would hopefully be leading to new PRs. Things were a bit warmer in the crowd but everyone still wanted the wind to die down as we all fidgeted trying to stay loose. Moments later we were notified of an emergency of the course as an ambulance drove by. Luckily any delay that resulted was barely noticed by the adrenaline filled group hanging out with us and before we knew it, we were off for the 2015 Shamrock Half Marathon.

The 1:52 group rocked and rolled through the first three miles. They are flat and almost a straight shot with four lanes to spread out across. The course is at least three lanes wide from the very beginning until you hit the boardwalk in Mile 12. At Mile 3 we hit the course’s first gentle curve heading into the tree lined portion of our run and our second well staffed water stop. During the stretch from Mile 3 to about Mile 5.5, we passed two more well staffed and supportive water stops, two DJs and one band before turning right onto the race’s quietest section. The 3+ miles of flat course running through Fort Story have great views of the Chesapeake Bay and this year lacked the strong headwind of 2014 but there isn’t a ton of crowd support until you get back on Atlantic Avenue around Mile 9.5.

It’s here you can start counting down the numbered blocks and really settle into a groove for the last 5k. Crowd support was good from 9.5 to 12 but when you hit that last mile and finally turn onto the Boardwalk, it’s exciting.

Plenty of Port-a-Potties lined the course, gel stops were much appreciated and bands kept the course rocking even when the crowds were hard to find. Though the base stretch is quiet, it's nice to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Chesapeake Bay.

Kevin and I walked through the finish chute to collect our medals, bananas, pretzels, cookies, water, Gatorade, finisher’s hats and awesome finisher beach towels. Best swag! Hitting the end of the finisher zone, we were routed out onto the beach where I saw a line waiting to ring this year’s newest Shamrock feature, the PR bell. Watching the 1:52 runners smile with the bell was better than ringing it myself.

After warming up and filling my hungry tummy, I collected my first post-race Yuengling and settled in to chat with other pacers as they finished. I wrapped my 2015 Shamrock Half Marathon with a few more beers, a lot of socializing, tons of fun and a big thank you to J&A Racing for another amazing year. The 2015 Shamrock Half Marathon was a great experience and I hope I get to pace it again in 2016. Team J&A does an incredible job involving the community, running a timely event and rewarding their participants with graciousness and gratitude. The course is flat, fast and home to some great scenery. All runners earn amazing swag and incredible post race parties, so If you ever have the opportunity, make sure you swing by Virginia Beach and get your ShamRock on!