PHOTOS: Shamrock Shuffle gets large turnout despite rainy forecast

On a very gloomy March 17, the annual Shamrock Shuffle had many runners and spectators turn out for the event with most dressed up for St. Patrick’s Day.

“Thank you everyone for coming out for the Shamrock Shuffle,” RunFit staff said.

There were winners in several categories. Runners have a chance to place in the four-mile run, the 10K run or the 10-mile run. Then runners have a chance to place in their age group.

The overall winners of the shuffle were Adrian Gonzalez, 18, in the 4 mile run; Rio Rancho High School cross country and boys’ track & field coach Phil Keller, 43, in the 10K run; and Todd Nickerson, 35, in the 10-mile run.

There is also a kids’ K, where kids run for fun.

After the runs were finished, RunFit gave out medals to those who placed overall and in their age group. People stood around shivering while they waited for their name to be called. However, everyone got a medal for finishing the run.

The shuffle course was different this year with four-mile runners going through the Loma Colorado neighborhood instead of up and around on Broadmoor Blvd. and Northern Blvd. The course can be difficult either way because there are several hills in the area. RunFit provided water stations so runners could hydrate while on the route.

RunFit puts on several runs throughout the year in the metro area. Next week there is the Chocolate and Coffee run in Albuquerque. The next one in Rio Rancho will be the Fourth of July run.