Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K

The Marietta Police Athletic League (PAL) cordially invites you to participate as a Runner or Sponsor (or both) in the tenth annual Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K. This event will raise money to support Marietta PAL’s Youth Sports, Recreation and Education Programs, which serve school-aged area youth, many of whom could not otherwise afford to participate in such programs. The event will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, live and in person on The Square in Marietta, GA.  The event will include prizes for St. Patrick’s Day themed costume contests for the most convincing leprechaun and top qualifier awards.

*Again this year, the Marietta Shamrock Shuffle is pleased to announce the 2nd Mile of the race will be designated the “Memorial Mile of Celebration!” This will consist of registering “In Memory Of” teams to run in honor of those we’ve loved and lost.  Then during the race, from Mile Marker 1 to Mile Marker 2, everyone will be encouraged to celebrate the lives of their loved ones with cheers, chants, and salutes in motion!

To join in the “Memorial Mile of Celebration” and launch your “In Memory of” Team:  

1.      When registering, simply create your “In Memory of” Team!

2.      Then share the link to encourage family and friends to join your team, dress up and coordinate for the Memorial Mile of Celebration.  Be sure to share your “team name” for easy registration.

“In Memory of” teams who register 25 or more members by February 14th will have your loved one’s name added to the Shamrock Shuffle souvenir race shirt and receive special memorial wristbands!

Proceeds will benefit the Marietta Police Athletic League. Marietta PAL’s target population consists of youth who reside within the City of Marietta and Cobb County. PAL currently serves more than 500 youth annually through existing sports, recreation, mentoring, arts and education programs.

About Marietta PAL
The Marietta chapter of the PAL program began in 2007. This international program is designed to utilize sports, arts and recreation as a basis for positive interaction between police officers and kids while supporting good decision making. Learn more at www.mariettapal.org.

Fun prizes for coming to the after race event dressed up in your St. Patrick's Day costumes:

• Most spirited St. Patty's Kids (for those 12 & under)
• Best Wearin' 'O' the Green

More prize categories may be added as the race gets closer to live!!

 FAQs
 Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the Shamrock Shuffle?
Saturday morning, March 21st, 2026 @ 8:00 am.   

 Where is the Shamrock Shuffle?
The start and finish line are on the Marietta Square.

 Are there different route options?
No, we currently have a timed 5K that is qualifier a for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. 

 What are the registration fees?
The fees vary based on the date you register.

What time does the race start?
8:00 a.m. - 5K timed

How can I register?
There are 4 ways to register:

1. Register online here
2. Print out a registration form and mail it to the address listed on the bottom of the registration form.
3. Register at the Packet Pickup Event at the Hugh L. Grogan Community Center on Friday March 17th, 510 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm.
4.  Register on race day beginning at 7:00 a.m. 
    

To whom do I make the check?
Please make checks payable to Police Athletic League of Marietta, or Marietta PAL. 

What is the policy on refunds of registration fees?
No refunds are issued for registration fees. 

How do I know if I am registered?
If you register online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you registered by mail, your cancelled check is your confirmation.

How does team registration work?
You and your friends, family and co-workers can run together as a team. When registering online, the team captain will create the team first, and then the other members can join that team. When registering by mail, at Packet Pickup or on race day, please write your team’s name on the registration form. 

 Where can I pick up my t-shirt and race number?
At the Packet Pickup Event at the Hugh L. Grogan Community Center on Thursday March 19th, 510 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060, between 10:00 am. to 7:00 pm. – OR -At the Marietta Square on race day beginning at 7:00 a.m. 

 If I'm on a team, can I pick up my own packet?
Yes, unless your team captain has arranged to pick up for the entire team. So please check with your captain first. 

 Can I pick up someone else's race number and t-shirt?
Yes. 

 If I pick up my packet on Friday, do I need to do anything else on Saturday?
No - just show up and run! But DON'T FORGET your number! 

 What time do I arrive on race day?
If you've already picked up your packet, you can arrive as little as 15 minutes before the start of the race (Remember - roads will be closed around the square and there are other people arriving, too). If you are picking up your packet or registering on race day, you should arrive at least 45 minutes before the race. 

 Will the race be cancelled if the weather is bad?
No - this is a rain or shine event. In the event of Life-Threatening Warnings or Watches the race could be delayed or even postponed. Be aware that if this does occur, no refunds will be issued.

 Where can I park?
You will be able to park at any of the city parking garages or parking lot near the Marietta Square, but you should be aware of road closures. City Parking Garages are no longer free. The roads that go around the square part of the square (South Park and East Park) will be closed from early morning until at least 11:00 a.m. The roads on the race route will close at 7:30 a.m. The map of the route is included under the route map page. You'll see that the route crosses North Marietta Parkway (120 Loop) in two places, so you won't be able to cross there when runners are on the route.

 What time do the roads close?
The roads on the race route close at 7:30 a.m. 

Will there be a water station?
Yes there will be a water station near the 1 mile mark.

 Are strollers allowed in the race?
Yes. For safety reasons, runners with strollers and baby joggers must line up behind the other runners. 

 Are dogs allowed?
No. For safety reasons, as we are primarily a youth orientated race and expect many children under the age of 12 to run, we are not comfortable with the trip hazard that leashes may create.

 Are there any special provisions for wheelchair participants?
Wheelchair participants are welcome. Be advised, though, that the race takes place on the street and the conditions aren't ideal for wheelchairs. You must be able to keep up with the group in your chosen race. 

 Where can I check my results?
Race results will be available on the registration web site, our Facebook site and sent to you via email.  Please give us 24 hours to post results. Also, winners will be announced as soon as the race is completed on the square after the costume contest.

 Are prizes given out for the fastest times?
Yes. Please see the Winners' page for a break down of age categories.

 Isn't there a costume contest?
Yes! The costume contest begins at 9:05 a.m. at the bandstand.

 Where do the race proceeds go?
ALL Proceeds will benefit the Marietta Police Athletic League. Marietta PAL’s target population consists of youth who reside within the City of Marietta. PAL currently serves nearly 400 youth annually through existing sports, recreation, mentoring and education programs.

 What is the Marietta Police Athletic League.
The Marietta chapter of the PAL program began in 2007. This international program is designed to utilize sports as a basis for positive interaction between police officers and kids and supporting good decision making. Former PAL members include persons such as Muhammad Ali, Alicia Keys and Colin Powell.   Learn more at www.mariettapal.org.

 What if I can't run but want to support PAL?
Register as a donor only. You don't have to be at the Shamrock Shuffle, but you'll still receive a t-shirt after the race if you donate $25.00 or more.

MARIETTA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

PREPAREDNESS PLAN / HEALTH AND SAFETY FAQ

The Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K holds the safety of their attendees, participants, volunteers, and staff above all else. To ensure our event is as safe as possible, and stakeholders are comfortable both on and off the course, we'll be implementing enhanced safety measures, and will provide a comprehensive list of measures to reference. 

We're constantly monitoring health and safety guidance provided by the CDC and will continue to work with the local governing entities regarding the protocols and safety measures that will be implemented on race day. Our team continues to work in direct coordination with local public health authorities to meet or exceed all local guidance, rules, and regulations. Accordingly, this Plan is subject to further revisions. 

EVENT PROTOCOL 

·         All participants are welcome to bring their own Personal Protective Equipment.

·         Participants are asked to adhere to the appropriate social distancing.

CHECK-IN PROTOCOL 

·         While checking-in, participants are encouraged to adhere to appropriate social distancing.

·         The Marietta Shamrock Shuffle5K staff and volunteers will monitor all high touch surfaces and areas of activities and clean and sanitize such areas as needed.

ON-COURSE PROTOCOL 

·         Please remain socially distanced while running on the course.

·         Do not physically assist others outside of your household while on-course.

·         Water stations will be modified and monitored by volunteers to remain safe and in compliance with CDC and local guidelines. The Marietta Shamrock Shuffle5K will provide water bottles at each water station.

FINISH LINE PROTOCOL 

The finish line will require the participant to flow in one direction and will have a designated entry and exit in runner refresh. Post-race hydration will be provided in sealed water bottles. These collection points will be self-served by the participants and have regular exit points to not obstruct the flow of traffic. 

·         The Marietta Shamrock Shuffle5K staff and volunteers will monitor all high touch surfaces and areas of activities and clean and sanitize such areas as needed.

Packet Pickup Date & Time

Advance Packet Pick Up will occur at the Hugh L. Grogan Community Center on Thursday, March 19th, 510 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060, from 10:00am to 8:00 pm. 

Race Day Packet Pickup Time

7:00 am EDT - 7:45 am EDT

Please see attached parking information for downtown Marietta.  While the price and availability may not be as stated on the attached PDF MAP, please click the link and check the interactive map.

https://www.mariettaga.gov/1462/Downtown-Parking

Interactive Downtown Directory & Parking Maphttps://cityofmarietta.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=25c2da2fb2194514b9ca87c12987dc09

Please print PDF fill out and mail with a check to:

Marietta PAL

c/o Marietta Police

240 Lemon Street

Marietta, GA 30060

Advance Packet Pick Up will occur at the Hugh L. Grogan Community Center on Thursday March 19th, 510 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

Registration will open the day of the race at 7:00am.

The Race will begin at 8:00am.

The Streets will be reopened at 9:00am.

Awards and Prizes will be distributed at approximately 8:45 am (as soon as the race scores are finalized by the timing company). You must be present to receive your award or prize.

See PDFs

Please see attached sponsorship letter:

Professional timing and chip technology is used to calculate this race. It will also be noted as a Peachtree Qualifier, with the certificate number to be added at a later date.

 MARIETTA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE 5K

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS

Packet Pick-Up Volunteers – on the Thursday before the race. 10am-7pm, 6-8 volunteers. Packet Pick-up Location: Hugh L. Grogan Jr. Community Center, 510 Lawrence St, Marietta, GA 30060

Packet Pick up volunteer duties include assisting with distributing race packets, t-shirts and information to pre-registered runners; assisting with onsite registrations; and assisting with pre-race raffles. This team works under the direction of the Shamrock Shuffle Registration Director.

Race Day Registration Volunteers – on race day, Saturday from 6-11am, 4-6 volunteers. Location: Marietta Square, 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060.

Registration volunteers are needed on race day starting 2 hours before the start of the race. This team helps with registration set-up. Race Day registration opens at 7am. Registration volunteers will confirm pre-registrations, distribute race packets and T-shirts. Registration volunteers will also assist with on-site registration for runners who are not pre-registered. This includes assisting with online registering, selling medals and issuing a race number. Registration volunteers will be standing most of the time and may be reassigned to a new task after the race begins. This team works under the direction of the Shamrock Shuffle Registration Director.

Refreshments Volunteers – on race day, Saturday from 6-11am, 4-6 volunteers needed
Location: Marietta Square, 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Refreshments volunteers will be asked to set-up and organize the refreshment tables on the Race Day morning starting 2 hours before the start of the race. The Refreshment area should be set by the time Race Day registration opens at 7am. The refreshment area is for the runners to enjoy refreshments (fruit, energy bars, water, energy drinks, etc.) before, but mainly after the race. Depending on the kind of food being offered, some preparation may be required. Some lifting may also be required. Refreshments volunteers will also be asked to closely monitor the refreshments to ensure there is food left for the slower runners/walkers. After the race, Refreshments volunteers are asked to make sure all the trash in the area is disposed of. This team works under the direction of the Shamrock Shuffle Refreshment Coordinator.

Water Station Volunteers – on race day, Saturday from 7 - 11am, 6-10 volunteers. Location: Check-in at Marietta Square, 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 (will be assigned to distribute water at the 11/2 mile mark on the course).

Water Station volunteers will be asked to assist with setting up water tables, wear gloves, fill enough cups of water (or prepare small water bottles) to cover the water tables, prior to the runners arriving, hand out water as the runners pass, fill additional cups if needed, and clean-up the cups or water bottles from the ground after the runners have passed. Most importantly, Water Station volunteers need to make sure tables are covered with filled cups or bottles to keep the runners moving smoothly. Water Station volunteers may get a little wet and may need to do a little heavy lifting, if lifting large containers of water. Water Station volunteers need to be in place on the course no less than  at 7:30 before the start of the race.

Memorial Mile Volunteers – Memorial Mile volunteers will be located every 8th of a mile from Mile Marker 1 to Mile Marker 2. Mile Marker Volunteers get to help runners celebrate the memories of their loved ones by cheering, clapping, holding “In Memory of Signs” and respectfully chanting “Shamrock Shuffle celebrates “_____________!” (names of registered loved ones to be provided.

Course Monitor Volunteers – on race day, Saturday from 7 - 11am, 6-10 volunteers. Location: Check-in at Marietta Square, 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 (assigned to various locations along the course).

Course Monitor volunteers will be located at various intersections throughout the 5K course to ensure the runners run the correct course and supervise the traffic so that we have a safe course. Course Monitor volunteers will be asked to direct traffic as necessary at intersections and locations where there is not a police officer and warn runners if something behind them is unsafe.

Course Monitor volunteers are needed race day one hour before the race. They will be shuttled to the proper locations or be given maps. Course Monitor volunteers need to be in place no later than 30 minutes before the race begins and remain in place until all runners/walkers have passed (approximately 90 minutes).

Finish Line Volunteers – needed on race day, Saturday from 8-10am, 8-12 volunteers. Location: Marietta Square, 75 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

Finish Line Volunteers will be asked to assist with several tasks in the finish line area. Some will be asked to serve as People Movers (keeping the runners moving as they proceed through the finish line shoot). People Movers will direct runners to the refreshments table as well as encourage runners and on-lookers to visit vendor tables. Others will be asked to serve as Costume Contest recruiters to assist with directing costume contestants, individuals and groups, to the backdrop for photos and to the stage to participate in costume judging for a chance to win prizes.

•Directing to Food/Refreshments
•Costume Contest Recruiters
•Please visit our Sponsors
•Directing to PAL Step & Repeat for Photos

For more information about Volunteer Opportunities with the Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K, please contact: Daneea Badio-McCray, dbadio@mariettaga.gov, 404-747-4095.

Marietta PAL (Police Athletic League) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent juvenile crime and violence by providing civic, athletic, recreational, art and educational opportunities which create trust and build understanding between law enforcement and youth.

•  Winners will be announced for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall male and female. Also, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be announced in the following age groups:
• 12 and under
• 13 - 18
• 19 - 30
• 31 - 40
• 41 - 55
• 56 - 65
• Masters - 66 and over