Shamrock Tradition
Stories of Tradition from the Field
With 31 years of history to its credit, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K has become one of the most anticipated and recognized running events in Chicago. Recognized as the kick-off to the outdoor running season and annual rite of spring, the event has developed a loyal following of runners that participate year after year – many of whom develop their own Shamrock Shuffle traditions. In the weeks ahead we will introduce you to some of those individuals.
"Irish Pot of Gold"
The Ryder Family:
Patricia Ryder, 70 (Dublin, Ireland)
Deborah Ryder, 47 (Chicago)
Beverley Ryder, 48 (London, England)
Rachel McCormac, 36 (Chicago)
This story has it all: champion pursuits, overseas travel, a team of family runners and an Irish celebration that begins in Dublin, Ireland.
Patricia Ryder, matriarch of the team, is the center of this celebration as she is traveling all the way from Dublin to reunite with her daughters and track down her elusive gold medal. In her last two Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K appearances (2008 and 2007), Patricia finished in the bronze and silver medal position, respectively, among her age group. Having just turned 70 on March 11, her Irish eyes are staring down a gold medal at the finish line – her own pot of gold.
Patricia will be joined by three of her six daughters and one son-in-law as she makes her way through her third Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Deborah (47) and Rachel (36) both hail from Chicago, while Beverley (48) will make the trek from London, England to join her mother and sisters for the race.
It’s not just the pursuit of victory that keeps this family coming together each spring on the streets of Chicago, it’s a sheer love for the city. Deborah has lived here for 16 years and in visiting her and Rachel regularly, Patricia has claimed it as her favorite city. As a result, the celebration begins long before race day and ends with a sunny vacation.
All will arrive in the Windy City in time for the legendary Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 13 before making the final preparation for race day. Once the team crosses the finish line and Patricia has a championship to her name, the real celebration begins. After the Post-Race Party, the team will celebrate Patricia’s birthday at her favorite Chicago restaurant. The final stop on the Irish weekend tour will fittingly be a visit to their favorite Irish bar, Celtic Crossing for a pint or two and a chocolate cake from Portillo’s.
Following the race, the family reunion will head to warm and sunny Scottsdale, Ariz., for a luxurious stay at the Phoenician. A true adventurist who has completed several half-marathons, Patricia plans to climb Camelback Mountain during her visit as a way of celebrating her newly-achieved gold medal.
"The Green Guy"
John Atchison, 25, Schaumburg, Ill.
Probably the most recognized Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle tradition in recent years is “The Green Guy” who first made his appearance at the 2008 race. John Atchison, then 23, and his friend, Ryan Giuliano, arrived on race day covered head to toe in electric green running shorts, curly wigs and body paint.
While John was visiting Ryan during his days at the University of Illinois, the duo launched this annual tradition at the school’s “Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day” celebration. As a result of the reaction it received on campus they decided to take the show north to Chicago and don the costumes at the 2008 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. John so fell in love with being called “The Green Guy” by race spectators and runners alike, he decided to continue with the shenanigan for years to come.
In what he calls a mistake, John changed up his routine the following year in honor of the spring snowstorm that befell the 2009 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle leaving at least six inches of the sloppy white stuff throughout the course and Grant Park. Changing his costume from green to white, John realized the error of his thinking when his completely white frame blended into his surroundings. Hard to spot “The White Guy” amidst the thick snowfall.
Despite his appearance on race day, don’t underestimate John’s running prowess. It’s no coincidence he is usually lined up at the front the pack as he is a seasoned runner currently on the Dick Pond Athletics/Fast Track Racing Team. Along with his costume, he also enjoys the tradition of meeting with the team at the Chicago Hilton on race morning, taking in a couple of warm-up miles together and, like many other Shufflers, the post-race festivities which for him conclude at Kitty O’Shea’s in the Hilton.
John “The Green Guy” Atchison will be on hand on Sunday, March 21 in full green regalia with new sidekick, Oscar Munoz, 27, of Streamwood, Ill. The tandem has much in common as they met at Northern Illinois University while pursuing degrees in Physical Education and are both currently in hot pursuit of teaching and/or coaching positions. They decided to continue their participation in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle specifically because “when else can you run around the city of Chicago painted like a giant leprechaun laughing all the way?” And quite frankly, we would miss them if they didn’t.
"Lucky Lueck"
Jessica Holmes, 27, Chicago
On St. Patrick’s Day 2008, Jessica Holmes’ stepfather Kevin Lueck was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Since his diagnosis, Jessica and her mother received countless offers from friends and family to help in any way they could. These expressions of generosity gave then 25-year-old Jessica an idea.
Kevin was about to undergo chemotherapy, following an unsuccessful attempt at hormone therapy. In memory of his St. Patrick’s Day diagnosis, Jessica decided to invite all those looking to help to join her in running the 2009 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in an effort to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Kevin’s honor. Her goal was to assemble a team of 10 fundraising runners under the banner of “Lucky Lueck” – a nickname Kevin earned for his active, competitive and victorious life.
On race day, Jessica was one of 22 “Lucky Lueck” runners who participated in the race with matching t-shirts. Some had never run in their lives, but in honor of Kevin, laced up their running shoes and braved the snowy Sunday, raising more than $7,500. Kevin, vulnerable from his ongoing therapy, watched his team from a hotel room window, touched and encouraged by the efforts of those who love him.
As February 2010 approached, Kevin was losing his battle with prostate cancer. The diagnosis was that he would not make it through the month. Team “Lucky Lueck” was already 25 strong and looking to grow, this time raising funds for Hospice Care, Inc. of Southwestern Wisconsin. From their experience, Jessica and her team recognized the value of the organization’s efforts to provide comfort to patients, families and friends during one of the most difficult times in life – the dying process.
On February 22, Kevin “Lucky Lueck” lost his battle with prostate cancer, but that has not stopped Jessica or her team. They are looking forward to gathering on March 21, 2010 and in future years at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in memory of Kevin Lueck. They plan to not only reflect on the life of a man that meant so much to them, but also to continue raising money for organizations that search for cancer cures and assist the patients and families affected by the disease.
For more information on Team Lucky Lueck or how you can contribute, visit: facebook.com/group.php?gid=259618927014
Information on Hospice Care, Inc., the organization for which they are raising funds can be found here: hospicecareinc.com