Hayward’s Shamrock Shuffle Returns March 21, Bringing Races, Festivities, Community Spirit & Fun!
The Downtown Hayward Business Improvement District (BID) Hosts Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk Saturday, March 21st 2026
Annual fundraiser offers all ages a St. Paddy’s Holiday Celebration focused on the 5K Shamrock Shuffle and 1K Grasshopper Run, Costume and Lucky Charms Eating Contests, food trucks, DJ entertainment and more staged at The Lot in Downtown Hayward WI.
HAYWARD, WI – Green gear, fast feet, and family fun—Downtown Hayward’s Annual Shamrock Shuffle returns Saturday, March 21 with a lively 5K run/walk and the kids’ 1K Grasshopper Race. Presented by The Lumber Exchange and hosted by the Downtown Hayward Business Improvement District (BID), the action starts and finishes at The Lot, with a portion of proceeds benefiting CAMBA Kids. Over 300 racers plus their supporters are expected at the BID’s largest fundraiser and again this year, a portion of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit CAMBA Kids.
The Lot, at Kansas & 3rd Street, sets the stage for a springtime race with family-friendly activities including race registration, post-race awards including costume recognition, James Netz DJ Entertainment, bonfires, Lynn Custom Meats food truck, and a fan favorite – the Lucky Charms Eating Contest. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. All participants get free bananas, cookies and water.
“We’re grateful to our many sponsors who support this annual fundraiser and look forward to cheering on the runners and celebrating with families who gather to welcome spring in a fun, healthy way,” says Cindy Smith, race director, Downtown Hayward BID board member and co-owner of Riverbrook Bike & Ski. Pre-registered participants can pick up race packets & t-shirts at Riverbrook Bike & Ski on Main Street Hayward from 12pm-6pm Friday, March 20th. Saturday morning, March 21st race packet pick up and race day registration is at The Lot (10597 Kansas Ave) from 10:00am to 11:15 am.
Prizes for the race include:
* Hayward Chamber Bucks for the Top 3 male and female racers
* Delicious Cookie Awards
* Prizes from local merchants for best people & pet costumes
* Special trophies for “Team Spirit” and “Lucky Charms Eating Contest Champion” are awarded, compliments of Apple Awards.
“The Downtown Hayward BID’s purpose is to help promote the unique merchants and build community among us all, and we consider ourselves lucky to host an event like Shamrock Shuffle where we give back and share everything we have – right here in the heart of it all,” says James Netz, president of the Downtown Hayward BID board and owner of James Netz Photography. “Thanks to our many supporters, racers and fans for making this an annual tradition,” he adds.
EVENT DETAIL
Register here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113320/shamrock-shuffle
Pre-registrants can pick up race bib and packet at Riverbrook Bike & Ski (10538 Main St, Hayward) on Friday, March 20 between 12-6 p.m.
Pre-Registration Cost: $40 adult/$20 youth (12-17) plus applicable fees
1K Grasshopper Race: kids (11 and under): Free entry
March 20 – 21 Cost: $45 adult; $20 youth
REGISTER ONLINE > https://downtownhaywardwi.com/shamrock-shuffle/
TIMING
Race Day: Registration for the 5K Run/Walk closes at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21. Race 2026 T-shirts presented to adults and youth racers while supplies last.
10-11:30 am – Register and Bib Pickup at race tent (The Lot – 10597 Kansas Ave.)
11:45 a.m. 1K Grasshopper Race for kids; DJ entertainment during the event
12 noon – 5K Shamrock Shuffle Run/Walk (see map on Shamrock Shuffle pg & available race day)
Through race award conclusion – Shamrock Shuffle Party at The Lot
The event is supported by Downtown Hayward BID members, community businesses and organizations including presenting sponsor The Lumber Exchange, key sponsors Angler’s Bar & Grill, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, Tamarack Health, Frandsen Bank, American Birkebeiner Foundation, and Johnson Bank Financial Group. Additional support is provided by Riverbrook Bike & Ski, Wisecarver Public Relations, Apple Awards, WHSM Musky 101, James Netz Photography Video & DJ, The Lot, Kwik Trip, Marketplace Foods, and Edward Jones.
For Shamrock Shuffle information, to sponsor, or donate prizes please contact race director Cindy Smith at cindy@riverbrookbike.com.
Written by Kelly Wisecarver ~ Wisecarver PR & Marketing Chair DHBID
Images & Graphics: By: Wendy Miller, Social Media Manager ~Haylo Design