Shamrock Shuffle steps off from Grant Park, brings thousands of runners downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The spring running season in Chicago officially kicked off on Sunday with the 44th Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.

The run stepped off from Grant Park at 8:30 a.m.

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"Hey good mornin' to ya," said runner Melanie Pozdol. "It's just like the first spring race. You never really know what the weather is going to be. Everyone in Chicago, all the different run clubs come out."

The annual tradition continued the city's celebrations for St. Patrick's Day.

"Everybody is excited. You know, it's the start of a new season and it's fun. A lot of people, great people," said runner Miriusz Ligska.

Runners were treated to a scenic 8K-run through downtown or a 2-mile walk that took athletes along the city's lakefront.

SEE ALSO | Chicago St. Patrick's Day 2025: Parade, green river dyeing bring thousands downtown

Some like Chicago's Jose Serrano ran the Shamrock Shuffle for the very first time.

"So fun, honestly. Quick race. Everyone is in green, some costumes. It's amazing," Serrano said.

Organizers say around 28,000 runners laced up their shoes for this year's race.

The following streets were closed for the race Sunday morning, but have since reopened Sunday afternoon, according to Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications:

Monday, March 17 at 6 a.m. (anticipated opening, Wednesday, March 26 at 3 p.m.)
-Balbo Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Saturday, March 22 at 6 a.m. (anticipated opening, Sunday, March 23)
-Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells Dr. to Roosevelt Rd.(opens at 2 p.m.)
-Columbus Dr. from Monroe St. to Ida B. Wells Dr.(opens at 1 p.m.)
-Balbo Drive from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. (opens at 2 p.m.)
-Jackson Blvd from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Laker Shore Drive. (opens at 1 p.m.)
-Ida B. Wells Drive from Congress Plaza to Columbus Dr. (opens at 1 p.m.)

Sunday, March 23 at 2 a.m. (anticipated opening, Sunday, March 23)
-Congress Plaza at Michigan Ave. from Van Buren St. to Harrison St. (opens at 1 p.m.)
-Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive (reopens at 11 a.m.)
-Columbus Dr. from Randolph St. to Monroe St. (reopens at 11 a.m.)

Sunday, March 23, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. (anticipated opening, Sunday, March 23)
-Ida B. Wells from Michigan Ave. to Congress Plaza (closes at 6 a.m., opens at 1 p.m.)
-Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Rd. (closes at 7 a.m., opens at noon)

Sunday, March 23, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Streets will open as runners pass through the area:
-Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Grand Ave.
-Grand Ave. from Columbus Dr. to State St.
-State St. from Grand Ave. to Wacker Dr.
-Wacker Drive from State St. to Washington Blvd.
-Washington Blvd. from Wacker Dr. to State St.
-State St. from Washington Blvd. to Jackson Blvd.
-Jackson Blvd. from State St. to Franklin St.
-Franklin St. from Jackson Blvd. to Harrison St.
-Harrison St. from Franklin St. to Michigan Ave.
-Michigan Ave. from Harrison St. to Roosevelt Rd.
-Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.