Joe D'Amico was at The Runner's Soul in La Grange on May 2. Thirty-seven year old Joe D'Amico ran his first marathon in 1998. Despite vowing to never run a marathon again, he returned the next year and has been hooked on the distance ever since. He recently completed his fifteenth marathon, the Los Angeles Marathon on March 20th, with a personal best of two hours and thirty-six minutes. But, Los Angeles was unlike his previous races for many reasons.
 
Joe had taken on a Challenge that required him to eat only McDonald's for 30 days prior to the LA Marathon. Joe also decided that he wanted to give back, choosing the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago and Northwest Indiana as a way to benefit families and children. Through the McRunner.com website, and McRunner Facebook fan page, more than $39,000 has been raised for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Joe was a big hit at The Runner's Soul on May 2. Over 100 people came to run with Joe and hear his amazing story. The Mizuno "Run With Us" mobile running lab was there with over 500 pairs of Mizuno wear test shoes to run in that night. The runners had the opportunity to sample Powerade Zero and Vitamin water courtesy of Coke. After the run the runners enjoyed Yogurt Parfaits and Grilled Chicken Wraps from the La Grange McDonald's. While enjoying their McDonald's they listened to a short Q & A where Joe shared information on his 30 day challenge, his running background, running advice and what is next for Joe. Doug Porter, CEO of the RMHC-CNI was there at the start of the run to thank Joe for his huge contribution and to tell everyone what that meant to the charity and what it means to the families that go to a Ronald McDonald House.
 
For more information on events at the La Grange McDonald's please contact Julie Travers; Community Relations Director. Julie.travers@comcast.net or visit their website at www.mcillinois.com/19621 or Facebook at La Grange McDonald's. For information or donations to RMHC-CNI you can visit their website at http://www.rmhccni.org/