Douglas County's 8th Annual ShamROCK Stampede Returns March 14, 2026

Castle Rock's Douglas County Events Center is hosting the 8th Annual ShamROCK Stampede today, with thousands of runners, families, and volunteers gathering at 500 Fairgrounds Drive for a St. Patrick's Day weekend race and indoor health expo that benefits veterans and first responders seeking mental wellness support.

Organized by RUN to Change Lives and presented in partnership with Einstein Bros. Bagels, the event runs from 9 a.m. to noon. The mission, as described by organizers, is to "elevate the celebration of St. Paddy's Day with a family-friendly Walk/Run and Irish-themed festival to increase awareness and raise funds for organizations that help our veterans and first responders break free from PTSD and find mental wellness."

The day's schedule packs in multiple races alongside festival programming. The Back to Health Expo, race-day registration, and packet pick-up open at 9 a.m., followed by a costume contest at 9:15 a.m. The marquee Lucky 10K, designated as an RRCA Colorado State Championship race, starts at 10 a.m., with the flagship 5K following at 10:15 a.m. At 10:50 a.m., the 1K Kid's Sham-Scram takes the course. An awards ceremony begins at 11 a.m., and the Sham-Jam Headliner performs at 11:05 a.m.

The free 1K for children carries one extra incentive: every kid who signs up online receives a commemorative RUN to Change Lives necklace charm. Organizers note that online registration is required even for the no-cost kids' race.

Runners who did not pick up their packets in advance had two earlier opportunities. RNK Castle Rock, at 440 Fourth St., hosted packet pick-up on Friday, March 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. 105 West Brewing Company, at 1043 Park St., offered another window on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration pricing scaled by category and date. Kids 17 and under entered at an early bird rate of $28 through February 2, with the price rising to $33 from February 3 through March 10 and $38 on race day. Seniors 60 and older were priced at $33 early bird, $38 mid-window, and $43 on race day. A third pricing tier shows $43 through March 10 and $48 on race day, applying to the standard adult category.

The event draws a broad sponsor roster. Full Irish sponsors include Molly Brown, Chick-fil-A, Peak to Peak, PR Youth Running, DJ Strix Sounds, Shred 415, and Kokopelli. Orange Theory Fitness and Gatorade fill the Half Irish tier. RNK serves as the shoe sponsor. Media sponsors include the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, Douglas County Living, Castle Rock Area Newsletters Online, Minuteman Press, Macaroni KID, and Outlets at Castle Rock.

RUN to Change Lives, a volunteer-based organization, has been producing local races since 2015, when it launched the Castle Rock Turkey ROCK Trot, now drawing several thousand runners statewide each year. The ShamROCK Stampede represents the group's broader expansion into events built around charitable causes.