Are you ready for the annual ShamRock N Run 5k race?! Race date is Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at 9am! Our event is held during the Iowa Irish Fest in downtown Waterloo, Iowa--the midwest's BEST Irish festival! Online registration is OPEN! And it is the Festival's 20th year--don't miss the celebration! Early packet pickup / walk-up registration will be: at the Iowa Irish Fest on Friday, July 31st from 4:00pm-7:00pm, at Main Gate Entrance 1 in downtown Waterloo . Race day packet pickup and walk-up registration begins at 7:30am Saturday morning and the race begins at 9am! Your weekend pass into the Irish Fest is NOT included in your 5k registration. For those age 16 and older, click the Add-On option to add a Fest pass for only $25! They are $40 at the gate so this is an excellent savings! You will pick up your Fest wristband pass at race packet pickup times (see above). Please contact us if you need to make other arrangements to pick up your Fest pass. Age 15 and under gain free entrance
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Waterloo, IA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Waterloo, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
