Runners racing to resort city for fun, fame, charity, and chance for fortune
On your mark ... get set ... GO! Runners from all over the world are dashing to Virginia Beach for the March 20, 2004 annual Shamrock Sportsfest, a true celebration of running as well as walking.

Competitors can choose five races in which to compete--the Marathon (26.2 mile) run, the Marathon Walk, the 8K (4.97 mile), 8K Walk, and a Children's Marathon for kids ages 6 months to 6 years--with top prizes ranging from $300 to $1000.

There's more to be won at the Shamrock Sportsfest than prize money, though. Just ask former competitors such as Tatyana Pozdnyakova, who achieved fame in 2003 by taking advantage of superb conditions to set the female masters 8K World Record with a lightning time of 23 minutes and 13 seconds. Jerry Lawson's performance in the 2000 marathon earned him a spot in the Olympic trials. Shamrock Sportsfest has witnessed 32 national running records since its inception in 1972.

Given the racing conditions, these records come as no surprise. Virginia Beach's mild climate during the month of March grants competitors the best conditions in which to run, while the rolling breezes off the Atlantic keep runners cool. Virginia Beach's relatively flat terrain makes for a course faster than greased lightning.

The course, as scenic as it is fast, begins at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center and winds throughout the resort city's flat, paved roads and some of its finest residential neighborhoods. Runners can easily identify the Pavilion Convention Center-based finish line from the final stretch by the thousands of cheering race fans.

The proceeds from this year's marathon will go toward charities that are helping children leap hurdles. Shamrock Sportsfest, Inc., a nonprofit organization that hosts national events to raise money for various charities, will donate the proceeds of this year's marathon to two children's charities, The Joy Fund and MAGIC, The State of the Arts.

For registration information and forms, visit the race Web site, or call 757-496-5183. Mailed registrations must be postmarked by March 4, 2004, but late applicants may still register in person at the March 19th Shamrock Sportsfest Sports and Fitness Expo.

Centrally located on the East Coast, Virginia Beach is within a day's drive of one-third of the U.S. population. For more travel information, visit www.vbfun.com or call 1-800-VA-BEACH (1-800-822-3224).