When brainstorming ideas for enhancements for the 2020 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend, one idea became crystal clear. We needed to showcase the talent of our Creative Director, Josh Wade. Starting Friday, March 27, 2020, the mural will be on display outside the J&A Racing office for a limited time. Meet Josh…

The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend holds a special place in my heart. Ten years ago, soon after my final cancer treatment, Shamrock became my very first marathon. A day that I will never forget. Looking back on that…this weekend is a moment to reflect on all of the emotions.

I never imagined, ten years later I would be working for the very company that puts on that event which means so much to me and to so many. The company that cares so much for its employees. The company that cares so much for the community it lives and breathes in. I’m honored to be a part of J&A Racing.

Shamrock 2020 was shaping up to be one of the best in all aspects, there were so many new and exciting things for everyone to experience. Shamrock 2020 was going to be my first ever opportunity to create a “true” mural using paint. Something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage.

The plan was to paint leading up to the event and then finish the mural during the expo Friday and Saturday. But plans change. Life happens. Things get serious. We need peace. We need calm and reassurance.

This mural needs to be finished. For Shamrock. For the runners and the walkers who have trained so hard. For all of the kids who look forward to that Final Mile every year. For the community that supports this event. For the staff that puts their heart and soul into everything they do. For peace and for calm and for reassurance that we will be back as Shamrock 2021 but more importantly as a community and as human beings that care and love one another.

I may not run Shamrock anymore, but Shamrock more than ever leaves a lasting impact on me each and every year.

About Josh:

Josh is a self-taught artist who enjoys graphic design, paintings, murals, and chalk art. The Frederick, Maryland native has called Virginia Beach home for the past 15 years. As the creative director for J&A Racing, Josh’s designs can be found on everything from apparel to race medals to signage. Outside of his professional designs, Josh has been selected to create murals for both the 2020 Java Surf Mural Festival and the Shamrock Marathon Weekend. His past works include a digital piece in the ViBe District’s utility box art project and a chalk mural in the 18th Street parklet. When he is not creating art, Josh – who is a cancer survivor – enjoys good beer, good coffee, and spending time with his wife Shannon and his beloved English Bulldog, Miss Mable.