I have run several large and small marathons. Shamrock and Virginia Beach are up great for a laid-back, easy experience. Great for the entire family.

Shamrock is a flat, fast marathon. The size of the field makes it a great option for those wanting to run without bobbing and weaving. For first-timers, the lack of crowd support or entertainment can be tough if you are running solo. The course weaves around some nice spots, and finishes on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which, while scenic, is hard on the legs! The 2005 marathon failed to provide the level of support seen in previous years -- fluid stations without Gatorade and confusion nearing the finish line area. If you are a middle-to-back-of-the-packer, you may find yourself fending for yourself. Security issues in Fort Story prevented spectators from a majority of the race which was disappointing for runners and family/friends. Overall, a good marathon with an established reputation that could be easily improved with more attention to course logistics.

Having run both giant (20,000 +) and smaller (-4,000) marathons, I have to say I prefer the smaller ones! I liked the course. It was very scenic, and the weather this year was awesome. We also got a great rate at the hotel because it is still technically the off-season. I would like to comment on the course security. The course is open for 6.5 hours and I came in at 6 hours. There were people walking all over the boardwalk, oblivious to the fact that runners were finishing a marathon. There was no clear way to get to the finish for 2 miles. No course marshals were present, no cones or markers set up to provide a path for the runners. I had to tell people to move! At this point there was no course security. This is a real issue. When I finished, the organizers were packing up the after-party. There was no food or beer left. If you are going to keep a course open for 6.5 hours, do it right by providing the slower finishers with the support they deserve and a clear path to the finish. There were 150 people that came in after me. I know that having to dodge random people on the boardwalk really put a damper on the way I felt when I finished.

First spring marathon and my time showed it. Went from snow to flowers blooming; can't beat that. Beautiful day, beautiful course. Great job for a small marathon by all involved. Looking forward to next year.

The race is well organized, great start and finish, and very fast. Small marathons never have the crowd support of the big ones, so I knew what to expect. The website was excellent, one of the best marathon sites I have seen. The medal and Coolmax long-sleeve shirt are great. Overall, excellent marathon and I qualified for Boston!

This was my first marathon. I choose this one because it was flat. This isn't a big marathon, but well organized. Not a lot of crowd support, but a flat course was more important to me. The weather was perfect...we got lucky. The expo was small but ok. The pasta dinner was good but overpriced. Nice medals and neat Coolmax running tops instead of t-shirts. I would recommend this race.

I thought this marathon was excellent. The only reason I gave the course 4 stars and not 5 was the concrete boardwalk, but I think the view of the ocean was worth the short time on the boardwalk. Loved that the start/finish was near each other and conveniently near lots of hotels.

The organization was perfect, and the expo was larger than I expected. I thought that having the expo go so late on Friday night gave plenty of time for those coming in from out of town to pick up their packets the night before.

Volunteers are EXCELLENT. I loved the themed water stops and enthusiastic volunteers. They must have had fun. Finish was great. Loved the announcer calling off everyone's name. Especially the beer tent.

The after party was a blast. Food was good, band was great. Belly dancers were a great addition. But, free beer and you have to pay for the water? Interesting...

Quite honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. This one was definitely worth it!

*Flat with one minor hill (50 feet).
*Crowd support OK.
*Scenic portion through First Landing SP and boardwalk finish.
*Announcer called everyone's name at the finish was a fantastic touch.
*Finisher's medal very nice.

This was my first marathon and the experience was great. A lot of it was due to the weather, which, of course, Shamrock has no control over. Weather was perfect. Little to no breeze. Scenic and flat course. Enthusiastic spectators while sometimes sparce. Water stops were nicely placed. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop #1 around mile 17 for the support and water/Gatorade! Mile markers clearly placed. Great ending along the boardwalk. Thanks Virginia Beach!

This was my first marathon at the age of 24 and, believe me, I haven't had more fun then that in a LONG time. The course was great and flat. The run along the boardwalk at the end was perfect. Some say it hurt their feet, but mine were in pain well before that so I didn't really notice a difference. The few fans who showed up were great. Including some at the 2nd mile marker giving out free beer. I shouted, "It's 7:45am! Who drinks beer at this hour?!" The only part of the course I didn't care for was the run through the fort. We kept doubling back on ourselves and it felt like this is where the marathon was just eating up those miles it couldn't fit anywhere else. The post-race food was plentiful and free beers as well. Sitting down on a beach after a marathon with some fruit and a beer or two is quite a treat. Its a great place to become that marathoner you always knew you were. Run this race!