Palatine’s McRunner is back at it after a year hiatus, this time running the LA Marathon on St. Patrick's Day and attempting to beat a Guiness World Record, dressed as a Shamrock Shake. Yes, you read that right.

Palatine resident Joe D’Amico first made national news in 2011 when he ran the LA Marathon and set a personal best time while coming in 28^th place. During all of his training, he was on a strict McDonald’s diet. D’Amico was able to ultimately raise $40,000 for Ronald McDonald House.

“2011 was a wonderful experience for myself, and my family. It was great to help people going through such tough circumstances and bring awareness to such a great organization like Ronald McDonald House, it meant a lot,” D’Amico said.

This year, D’Amico, a marketing executive who grew up in Oak Forest, wanted to bring a fresh take to his participation, and fundraising for the marathon.

“When I realized the marathon was on March 17, on St. Patrick’s Day, I decided to change it up and run while dressed as a Shamrock Shake,” D’Amico said.

D’Amico said he researched Guinness World Records, and stumbled across a record set by someone dressed in the dairy product category.

“I saw the record, submitted to Guinness and they approved it after about three months of waiting,” D’Amico said.

D’Amico began his all-McDonald’s diet on January 31, including a Shamrock Shake a day. His frozen treat costume is still being finalized.

He again is raising money for Ronald McDonald House, though he said he is not coordinating with McDonald’s.

“I’m doing this completely on my own, I buy my own food and shakes….I do order off the dollar menu,” D’Amico said.

To date, D’Amico has already raised $3,000.

To see D’Amico’s food log, blog and shake log, and to find out how to donate, visit the McRunner website at www.mcrunner.com or check him out on his McRunner Facebook page. 

Original reporting by Melanie Santostefano, Palatine Patch

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