Celebrate three decades of loping leprechauns in Virginia Beach

You're on mile 26, and almost home. Your chest is pounding, quads burning, ankles aching, yet you are smiling. It isn't the sight of the finish line that brings joy to your face. You are running parallel with one of the East Coast's most beautiful beaches a site where you will soon celebrate your triumph.

The popular East Coast racing event, Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon and 8K,returns to Virginia Beach on March 18-19, 2005 for its 33rd year. The 2005 race offers all new race categories and a new course which will begin and end at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

According to race organizers Jerry and Amy Frostick, this year's marathon course has been improved, adding new scenic stretches, including a loop at the First Landing State Park Campground and a pass by the Cape Henry Lighthouses.

In addition to the 26.2-mile test of endurance, runners can participate in the "Gateway First Mortgage and Gateway Bank & Trust Marathon Relay," the "Checkered Flag 8K Run or Walk," and the all new "McDonald's(R) Boardwalk One Mile Run." Kids can even join the fun by entering the 26.2-yard "Children's Marathon," open to the first 300 kids age six-months to six- years to register. The 2005 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon Run is a qualifier for the 2006 Boston Marathon.

The festivities begin Friday, March 18 at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center with the Sports and Fitness Expo, race registration and pasta dinner.

Race day on Saturday, March 19, begins at 6 a.m. with registration, and the various races start at staggered times between 6:30 and 9 a.m. After completing the race, athletes can reenergize on high-carb foods and cool beverages in preparation for the 7 p.m. O'Leary's Post Race Party at the Cavalier Hotel.

To register, print an application for mail-in registration by visiting Shamrock marathon. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 10 and must be in the Shamrock office by March 14 to be official. If runners miss this date, they may still register at the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center on Friday, March 18. For more information, call 757-496- 5183 or e-mail info@shamrockmarathon.com.

Proceeds from the races benefit Special Olympics Virginia and The Joy Fund. Virginia Beach entices visitors to "Live the Life" every season of the year! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of Washington, D.C. by car and within a day's drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800-822-3224), or visit VB FUN for online trip planning and more information about Virginia Beach's new $202.5 million convention center, scheduled for grand opening in 2007. For media information and digital images, check VB Press Room.

For more information: Hester Waterfield Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau at (757) 437-4700, Jared Myers, BCF at (757) 497-4811 or e-mail to jmyers@bc-f.com.