“In 2012, I ran my first half marathon. I worked with an awesome group to get me to the finish. That’s where I first heard of Shamrock, and intended to run it with my group. Work got in the way, and running went on the back burner. Five years later, I moved to Virginia, but was not a big runner, I was focused most on my growing family and being a mom. Another seven years late I found myself in the midst of a very big life change and found the incredible Hampton Roads running community. Side by side they encouraged me, gave me strength and support, and once again I was preparing again to run Shamrock, eleven years later. Well, an injury put me out of that race and I was certain another half was just not in the cards for me.

By the end of 2023 I found myself training carefully and diligently, Shamrock 2024 was MINE. My time was slower than 23-year-old-me’s time, but after everything I proved to myself how strong and capable I am. Crossing that starting line and power across the finish was MY moment. This journey was no one else’s, I trained for and ran that race to prove to myself that I could. I am proud to call myself a Shamrock finisher.”

We’re also proud to celebrate Julia as a Shamrock finisher!