Runners in the 54th annual Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach will miss the military landmarks along the race this weekend due to recent restrictions on access to military installations that went into effect earlier this month.
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon will not pass through Fort Story and the State Military Reservation (formerly Camp Pendleton) as in years past, instead taking a modified route in the surrounding area, race producer J&A Racing said in a news release. A Navy spokesperson confirmed that Fort Story has limited base access and temporarily ended its Trusted Traveler Program, which allowed those with a military ID to escort up to five non-credentialed people onto the base.
“Unless you are a Department of War employee or active duty military member, access is not authorized to any of our installations,” the spokesperson said in an interview. “Our primary responsibility is to make sure our bases remain secured and that is what they’ve done and, as such, that Trusted Traveler Program has been ceased for now.”
The Pilot previously reported that Naval Station Norfolk suspended its Trusted Traveler Program on March 2, requiring anyone without base access to obtain a visitor pass and be accompanied by a sponsor.
The new route leads runners from Atlantic Avenue onto Shore Drive and back, not passing through Fort Story. Those running the full marathon head down General Booth Boulevard until they are turned around at the intersection with Oceana Boulevard, then turn right onto South Birdneck Road before reversing course again to continue back up General Booth.
The Navy spokesperson did not specify what prompted access to these military installations to be limited. In a news release, J&A Racing referred to “the current state of affairs” as what prompted them to work with the city to devise the new routes just weeks before the race.
“For decades, race participants have had the unique opportunity to run through these historic grounds, able to see treasured landmarks and beautiful sea landscapes, while touring Virginia Beach by foot,” the release reads. “Due to the current state of affairs, the City of Virginia Beach has worked tirelessly with J&A Racing to ensure that the adjusted routes will not only provide race participants with a safe and secure updated course, but also with an effort to have minimum additional impact to residents and neighboring communities.”
“We recognize what an honor and privilege it has been to showcase Fort Story and Camp Pendleton all of these years as part of Shamrock Weekend,” said Jerry Frostick, the owner and race director for J&A Racing. “We respect the work that is done in both of these installations, and in this moment, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those men and women serving our country.”
The marathon and half marathon will start Sunday morning, but the weekend will be full of related festivities starting Friday. For more information about the Shamrock Marathon, visit www.shamrockmarathon.com.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
