The 36th Annual 2008 Yuengling Shamrock Half-Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA reached its capped limit of 7,000 runners on January 22, 2008. The race took an additional 1,000 runners more than last year and it filled a month earlier. The cap is placed on the race due to road size limitations driven by The City of Virginia Beach. The Marathon, 8K, and Children's Races all have space available and do not have limits.

This year's race numbers should reach 18,000 between the 5 different events including the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 8K, Operation Smile final mile, and the children's marathon. "We are excited about the growth and the popularity of running in general, says Amy Frostick, Race Director. It is hard turning people away for the half marathon but at least we have other distances that they can run or walk."

The Shamrock Sportsfest kicks off Friday March 14 at the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Expo, held in the new Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Expo is free and open to everyone on March 14 from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. and March 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Those interested in participating in the races can register online at www.active.com or by completing a registration form . Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 9, 2008. If runners miss this date, they can still register at the Sports and Fitness Expo on March 14 and 15.

For more information, please visit www.shamrockmarathon.com