Community Corner

Marathoner 'McRunner' Ups the Ante

For every fan of the McRunner Facebook page, Joseph D'Amico will donate $1 to Ronald McDonald House charities.

Marathon runner Joseph D'Amico is a man on a mission. In the 30 days leading up to the Los Angeles Marathon, he .

Now about halfway through his plight and training, the positive feedback he's received has prompted him to tie his McDonald's mission into a monetary one. For each fan he acquires on the McRunner Facebook page, D'Amico will donate $1 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

He has raised $172 of his $5,000 goal so far.

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"Where have the last two weeks gone? The time has flown by. The miles…. The hotcakes…." D'Amico wrote on his blog. "This has been a great experience, with support that I never would have imagined. The feedback and encouragement has inspired me in countless ways.

"What better charity to support than the Ronald McDonald House Charities? Their focus on helping improve childrens’ lives through the Ronald McDonald Houses and other programs is inspiring. Knowing that we will help them gives me added motivation."

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D'Amico grew up in Oak Forest, running track and cross country for Oak Forest High School.

After college, he started running again and ran his first marathon in 1998. D'Amico said he has run about 14 marathons, most have been in Chicago, but he also has run the Boston and New York marathons. He'll attempt to run the March 20 marathon in a personal best time of under two hours and 36 minutes.

Follow his training and fundraising efforts in the two weeks leading up to the marathon.


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