Shamrock 8k & Half Marathon; aka Dolphin Challenge; March 14 & 15, 2014; Overall

Overall, the Shamrock races in VA Beach are wonderful. If there was anything I'd change, it'd be the length of the finisher chute (or just have the ability to get out of it before walking several blocks down the boardwalk). I'm looking forward to Dolphin Challenge 2015!

They have GREAT swag. For the 8k, a long sleeve (cotton) shirt before the race and a beer coozie & medal after the race. For the half, a short sleeve (technical) shirt before the race and a hat, finisher hat, beach blanket, and medal after the race. The dolphin challenge got an additional medal. Both races got a reusable bag with the race logo/info on it. There's also a beer tent & beef stew if that's your thing.

For comparison sake:

Shamrock Dolphin Challenge 2009
place: 357/457 (in Dolphin Challenge)
age: 28
gender place: 182/259 (in Dolphin Challenge)
8k: 1:00:34
half: 2:42:08
dolphin overall time: 3:42:42

Shamrock Dolphin Challenge 2014
place: 462/750 (in Dolphin Challenge)
age: 33
gender place: n/a
8k: 1:00:01
half: 2:22:45
dolphin overall time: 3:22:46