Running for Wellness: Youth Tackle Famed Chicago 8K Race

April 11, 2025

On a recent Sunday morning, a group of our young people and staff ran through Grant Park and the streets of downtown Chicago for the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. While the annual event is considered the official start of the running season in Chicago, it was a major milestone in an ongoing wellness journey for our young people.

The idea to take part in the race began during a summer wellness challenge at Mercy Home. Stephen Guardino, a youth care worker, spearheaded a summer wellness challenge to prepare our youth for a service trip to Mississippi, where they would partner with the Fuller Center for Housing to build homes for people in need.

The youth tracked their hydration and physical activity, and the initiative was so successful that it inspired everyone to keep the momentum going. They decided to sign up for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in March as a motivator to keep both the youth and coworkers motivated to stay active during the colder months, and to connect their efforts into our Bulls Winter Wellness Challenge, another health-focused initiative at the Home.

“We knew it would be a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and to expose some of the youth to the running community here in Chicago,” said Sarah Kelley, a youth care worker and 2024 Mercy Home Hero. And with a few youth already taking an interest in running, the Shamrock Shuffle was a perfect fit.

A total of 20 youth and coworkers signed up, eager to take part in the race. While some initially weren’t thrilled about a 6 a.m. wake-up call on a Sunday morning and braving the chilly weather before the race, they quickly warmed up to the experience.

“The guys were a little skeptical at first, but by the end of the race, they were in great spirits and felt so proud of themselves,” said Kelley.

One of the big motivators? McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes waiting for them at the finish line. While that was a tasty incentive, the real reward came from the sense of personal achievement and camaraderie the group built throughout the event.

“It was a great turnout and a real testament to the dedication of staff, who showed up early on a Sunday to bring positive energy and support,” Kelley added.

For two of the youth, Eddie and Lawrence, the Shamrock Shuffle wasn’t just a race—it was a personal goal come to life. Both of them ran the 8K for the first time, setting personal records (PRs) and crushing their goals.

“Eddie has a goal of running a marathon someday, so this was a great way to gauge where he’s at in terms of training,” said Kelley. “Lawrence got into running as part of his personal health journey, and now, I think it’s safe to say he’s hooked! He wants to keep running and see how far he can go.”

“It was really cool to see the smiles on their faces when they finished,” Day Coordinator Judy Tapia added. “It was amazing to see overnight staff from Sheil joining youth and staff to all do something together.”

The event was such a success that the team hopes to make it an annual tradition.

“A huge thank you to the Mercy Home Heroes team for making this possible,” Kelley said. “We had an amazing experience.”

As the group posed for pictures after crossing the finish line, it was clear that the Shamrock Shuffle wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of hard work, personal growth, and the power of teamwork. For the boys and coworkers who participated, it was a reminder that running can do more than build physical endurance—it can build character, too.