To participants, the Marathon Shuffle is done and dusted by 17:00 (5:00 pm) on the last Sunday of April. Did you know that the official finish of the Shuffle is a week or two later?

Some locals call it the social event of the year. It’s the VIP party, exclusively for the volunteers and sponsors, and others who pull together behind the scenes to put on the annual Marathon Shuffle. It’s a way to kick back and socialize without the stress of having to find 1,000 bib pins or a couple of buses at the last minute.

This year, we had a potluck BBQ with a huge variety of tasty treats. Celebrity attendees included Kevin McLean (the 12-year old who rode his bike to the start, ran the Shuffle, ran it back to the start and rode his bike home), Eagle Walz who founded the Marathon Shuffle 33 years ago and Joseph McLean (Kevin’s Dad) who, along with Shuffle Director Ean Jackson share the record of completing 13 Shuffles. Thanks to the generosity of local fine dining establishment Coastal Cookery, ten VIPs went home with a $50 gift certificate.

The dishes haven’t yet been put away after this year’s VIP party but we’re already planning next year!

Would you like to help out with putting on the 2027 Marathon Shuffle? We can always use help caring for participants at aid stations on Shuffle day or on the management team as we plan over the year. ‘Love the idea of supporting a free, community event with cold cash or services? Let’s talk!

We’d love to welcome you as a VIP for 2027. You’ve got a year to earn this exalted status. Your journey to greatness starts with filling out this form:

https://forms.gle/hiLCdzgS8ZRd5Rzr7

Thank you,
Ean Jackson, Director of the Marathon Shuffle