Limited late entries still available
Despite an increased participant capacity of 30,000, up from 25,000 in 2006, the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K run and 5K fitness walk reached capacity today, more than a month in advance of the March 25 race. Registration for both events is officially closed. A Chicago spring ritual, the 28th annual LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle will launch the local running season in Grant Park on Sunday, March 25.

New to the event this year, a late registration option is available for interested participants who missed the deadline. Official charity Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has a limited number of entries to offer runners interested in participating as a member of the charity team. Information on how to apply for these entries is available at the charity section of the event website shamrockshuffle.com or by calling the charity at (800) 876-7522.

Members of Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the official training program of the event, also have a unique opportunity to secure a late entry into the race as a membership benefit. More information on the limited number of available entries through CARA can be found at shamrockshuffle.com or by calling CARA at (312) 666-9836.

"The excitement this race generates each spring is always inspiring," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "The celebratory atmosphere that comes with the return to warmer weather, the outdoors and the beautiful Chicago running paths is contagious. We invite everyone to join us in Grant Park or along the course route to get a taste of the energy that recreational running can generate."

Although registration is closed, there are numerous ways runners and non-runners can still be part of the excitement that surrounds race weekend. The public is invited to attend the free LaSalle Bank Health and Fitness Expo at Navy Pier on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 and to line the course on race day to cheer on the runners. Volunteer opportunities are also available at shamrockshuffle.com.