We are so excited to be bringing you the “Shamrock Spotlight Series” on our blogs! The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 8k Races bring thousands of runners, of all ages, abilities and locations, to the Virginia Beach oceanfront every year! As J&A Racing Live Love Run Ambassadors, we decided we wanted to celebrate these races, J&A Racing, and our community by doing a series that highlights participants, both local and out of town, on their journey to this years’ races.
We were incredibly fortunate to get the response we did when asking for volunteers to be spotlighted, and are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories with you!
Kristy and Lesleyanne
SHAMROCK SPOTLIGHT SERIES: LEAH DURHAM
Age: 20
Current City: Lynchburg, VA
Training for the Dolphin Challenge: 8k Saturday and the Half-Marathon on Sunday
“I’m a Junior at Liberty University who just started running last year. I have always been thin, but never in shape, and I wanted to look great for my wedding in May. I love Disney, and dream to run a RunDisney race, but right now they’re too expensive. I picked Shamrock simply because it falls on my Spring Break from school, it was affordable, and offered Challenge races.”
Why you are running a Shamrock race in 2014? Even though I have lived in Virginia my entire life, I have never been to Virginia Beach. What better place to go during Spring Break? I also am a member of several running groups on Facebook, and they spoke very highly of J&A Racing’s races.
When did you start running? January 2013
How many races have you done and what’s your favorite? I’ve done about 10 5Ks, a 10K, a ten miler, and a half marathon. My favorites are tied between the Virginia Ten Miler and the Outer Banks Half Marathon
Where do you prefer to run? I prefer trails, but find myself on roads more often. The campus of Liberty is a great place to run! I’m actually taking a running class this semester so I’ll be on campus most often.
What’s the longest distance you’ve run? My Half Marathon
What is the one thing you DON’T like about running? I hate how everything leaks when you’re running in the cold. My eyes and nose are always streaming. It’s gross.
Favorite post-run indulgence? Chocolate! Especially Reese’s
Favorite running shoe? Asics GT-2000. I have two pairs now!
Favorite song to run to? It changes almost all the time, but right now it’s “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry
Favorite website to waste time on? Tumblr
Favorite running moment? When I finished the Ten Miler this September! I was so proud of myself and wore my medal all day
If you could pick one celebrity to run with, who would it be? Jennifer Lawrence
GOOD LUCK LEAH!
You can follow Leah’s journey to Shamrock on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @leahpunzel . You can also follow Leah on her blog, See Leah Run.
Kristy Maute 
Awe good luck with the Dolphin Challenge! I completely agree though about winter time. I absolutely hate how everything leaks. Dark Horse is one of my favorite songs too!