Shamrock Shuffle welcomes spring to Mt. Lebanon despite wintry weather

For a day of emerging from hibernation, it was a cold one.

The first day of spring marked the second annual running of the Shamrock Shuffle to benefit Ave Maria Academy. And Leslie Krueger, principal at the school’s Mt. Lebanon campus, drew the comparison of the event to the practices of certain flora and fauna at winter’s end, with the added component of continued reductions in covid-related limitations.

Still, the air felt Arctic at Scott Park on the morning of March 20. But that hardly served as a deterrent to a healthy attendance.

“It’s wonderful to see such participation and so many supporters, despite the weather,” Lynne Lynch, Bethel Park campus principal, said. “There’s no stopping us.”

The Shamrock Shuffle started last year as primarily a virtual event, with runners from all 50 states and three other countries participating at their own time and pace. The pledges they generated raised more than $20,000 for the school, according to organizer Katie O’Keefe.

“We wanted to make it in-person this year, and I am super grateful to Scott Township for allowing us to host here. Without them doing that, I’m not sure where we’d have it,” she said. “This is such a great environment, to be able to close off the entrance so that families can be safe and can enjoy the run.”

Without having to worry about vehicles, the pedestrians took part in a competitive race, for which prizes were awarded by age group, and a fun run during which plenty of walking took place, as well.

“It’s a great community-building event,” O’Keefe said. “And people who are not involved with the school are here running, too.”

Ave Maria Academy represents a consolidation of four Diocese of Pittsburgh schools: St. Thomas More in Bethel Park and St. Bernard in Mt. Lebanon, plus the now-closed Our Lady of Grace in Scott and St. Anne in Castle Shannon.

“All the students, all the parents, all the teachers: Everyone is coming together, because we want to continue the tradition of Catholic schools in our region,” Krueger said. “You can see around here that these individuals love to be together. The families are talking to each other. The kids are cheering each other on. So it is a wonderful community effort.”

For more information, visit avemariapgh.org.