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A large group of runners in green attire participating in a race, with a "START" arch and residential buildings in the background.

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

Yuengling Sportsfest Weekend

Oceanfront | March 19–21, 2027

Founded in 1973 by Jerry and Lori Bocrie, the Shamrock Marathon is the oldest continually running road race in Virginia Beach and a longtime favorite of the running community — it’s consistently recognized by ESPN and Runner’s World magazine for excellence in a number of different categories. The inaugural marathon had 59 entrants and 38 finishers, and the weekend also featured 1-mile, 2-mile, and 6-mile races. 

Today, the annual St. Patrick’s Day race has blossomed into the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Weekend, including five races with over 24,000 participants — plus the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo and of course the Leprechaun Dash, a 26.2-yard event for the five-and-under crowd. On the other side of the finish line, grown-up, green-garbed competitors gather at an ever-growing Post-Race Celebration featuring cold beer, live music and lots of high fives. 

Mark Your Calendar

From high-flying stunts to beachside beats and iconic races, these events bring the energy all year long.

Jackalope Festival | June 4-6, 2027

Extreme sports, live music and oceanfront energy collide at Jackalope, a free three-day adrenaline rush on the sand.

North American Sand Soccer Championship | June 11–13, 2027

Feel the thrill of fast-paced beach soccer as top teams from around the world compete right on the sand.

Point Break Music Festival

Catch live music across genres at this beachside fest where every set comes with a salty breeze and a killer view.

East Coast Surf Championship

A legendary Virginia Beach tradition: elite surfing, live music, beach sports and vibrant coastal culture at one of the longest-running surf competitions in the world.

Super Girl Surf Festival

A celebration of women in surf featuring elite competition, wellness workouts, speaker panels, and live entertainment set against vibrant Virginia Beach waves.

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

A Virginia Beach tradition: art, music, sand sculptures and pure oceanfront vibes at this can’t-miss fall festival.

Find your fun, map out memories. We’re here to help.