Shamrock Shuffle

The unofficial kickoff to warm-weather running is Sunday 30, when 30,000 Chicagoans hustle their way through the 8 kilometers of the annual Shamrock Shuffle. Before you toe the line, invest in a few new technical pieces—this season’s stylish athletic apparel comes in an array of cheerful, happy hues that will melt away your winter blues. Need more inspiration to ditch the treadmill? See “Foot notes” for our fave spring and summer races.

On her: Luon Headband, $9 at lululemon (2104 N Halsted St, 773-883-8860); Moving Comfort Endurance Sport Tank, $45 at Fleet Feet (1620 N Wells St, 312-587-3338) ; Speedy Knee Pant, $54, at lucy (2122 N Halsted, 773-248-3605); Saucony Express long-sleeved tee, $35 at Fleet Feet; Foldin’ Key Cuff, $6 at lululemon; Timex Sleek 50 lap watch, $55 at Fleet Feet; Nike Air Zoom Elite+ sneakers, $100 at Niketown (669 N Michigan Ave, 312-642-6363).

On him: Metal Vent Tech tee, $59 at lululemon; Nike Dri-Fit shorts, $35 at Niketown; Brooks Olympiad Track Jacket, $64; Polar RS100 watch, $110; Amphipod Hydraform HH waterbottle, $17; Saucony ProGrid Paramount sneakers, $165, all at Fleet Feet.