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Shamrock Shuffle Runners Push Through Cold Temps

By Linze Rice | March 29, 2015 11:18am
 Despite a frigid wind chill, thousands of runners participated in the 2015 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k.
2015 Bank Of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
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DOWNTOWN — Under the threat of 40-mile-per-hour winds and nearly freezing temperatures, thousands of runners from across the country gathered for the 36th annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

According to the event's alert system, most of the race was completed under a "moderate" alert level, meaning high winds caused less-than-ideal conditions. 

Despite the cold, runners ran under mostly sunny skies alongside Chicago's Grant and Millennium parks, weaved through the Loop and finished on the southwest side of Buckingham Fountain. Finishers were greeted with applause from supporters, an honorary medal and plenty of healthy snacks. 

Among some of the first to finish was Kevin Havel, 25, of Ravenswood who crossed the finish line in under 24 minutes. 

"I'm tired," Havel said with a chuckle. "I was very excited about it, it was a great time."

Andy Black, a salesman from Lakeview, wasn't far behind with a time just under 34 minutes. One of his first priorities: Snagging his traditional free beer, available to all participants over 21. Black said that although each year he and friends gather after the race to celebrate with a few brews, this year it was a "rite of accomplishment" due to the unforgiving cold. 

While waiting for his fiancée to cross the finish line, Alejandro Aldrete, a maintenance worker for Berwyn School District 201, held a sign with the name of two friends that read "Surviving Lupus Everyday". He said part of reason he and his fiancée, a secretary with the same school district, decided to participate this year was in support of those friends, who were unable to attend. 

Illinoisans weren't the only ones shuffling across Michigan Avenue Sunday morning. Andrew Walker, who works in New York City for a design agency, flew to Chicago from Manhattan to run the race with his sister-in-law, and said he "couldn't wait" to get started. 

The event offered a free post-race party in Grant Park open to participants and the public, which features live music, food and beverages. 

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