Registration Closes For 2012 Bank Of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K As 40,000-Participant Capacity Is Reached

Registration for the 2012 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the world’s largest 8-kilometer road race, closed today when the 40,000-participant capacity was reached, matching the largest field of registrants in the event’s 33-year history. Registration for the March 25 event opened on January 1. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is a tradition that serves as the kickoff to Chicago’s outdoor running season, which will culminate with the 35 ^th anniversary of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.

“The popularity of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K continues to be at an all-time high and we’re excited to get the running and racing season started on the streets of Chicago,” said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “This is a wonderful tradition for the Chicago running and fitness community—from competitive athletes, to local running clubs, to groups of co-workers, families and friends—to join together in a celebration of spring against the backdrop of this great city.”

“The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is the unofficial kickoff to the Chicago outdoor running season that encourages people to get up and get active,” said Tim Maloney, Illinois president, Bank of America. “This truly is a Chicago event with more than 90 percent of the participants hailing from the city and suburbs, making for a great yearly tradition and a perfect fit for Bank of America’s continued commitment to the communities we serve. We look forward to the Shamrock Shuffle as 40,000 participants usher in spring in Chicago.”

A limited number of entries into the sold-out event can still be obtained through the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Charity Program. Interested runners have the opportunity to sign up through one of 16 affiliated nonprofit organizations that are building teams of charity runners. Details on the charity program and charity contact information are available at shamrockshuffle.com.

For the second year in a row, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K reached its capacity of 40,000 participants in advance of race day. In the past 10 years, the number of registered participants has more than doubled from less than 18,000 in 2002. To help accommodate the record field size, the event will feature two start waves with separate start times and Gear Check facilities, allowing participants to check their gear and access their assigned Start Corral closer to their start time.

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