Honoring Shannon: Running Together, Keeping Her Light Alive
Welcome to the official donation page for the Annual Shannon McNamara Memorial Run.
Each year, our community gathers to run, walk, and remember Shannon McNamara—a proud Rolling Meadows High School alumna, extraordinary athlete, beloved daughter, and cherished friend whose life was tragically cut short during her college years.
To those who knew her, Shannon was a radiant presence. On the field and track, she was a fiercely dedicated competitor; off it, she was a compassionate, loyal friend who brought warmth, laughter, and genuine kindness to everyone around her. She truly embodied what it means to be a Mustang and a leader in our community.
Though Shannon was taken from us far too soon, her vibrant spirit, athletic legacy, and light continue to inspire everything we do.
Why We Run & How Your Support Helps
The Shannon McNamara Memorial Run is more than a race; it is a celebration of a life lived with purpose, energy, and love. All proceeds and donations directly support the Shannon McNamara Memorial Scholarship Fund, ensuring that deserving students and athletes at Rolling Meadows High School receive support to pursue their higher education goals in Shannon’s honor.
Whether you are lacing up your running shoes, walking with family, or supporting from afar with a financial contribution, your generosity ensures that Shannon’s legacy of strength, community, and joy lives on.
Thank you for honoring Shannon, supporting our students, and helping us keep her light shining bright.
Race Day Instructions: ****Different Location than Last Year****
Park your cars at Rolling Meadows High School. The starting line for runners will be on Central Rd. in front of the high school. Walkers will form a gauntlet in the lot for the runners to run through at start before walking in behind the runners! The race will conclude on the track in the stadium at Rolling Meadows High School. The 400m kids race (10 years old and under) will be at the conclusion of the 5k race/2m walk!
Race day registration and packet pick-up opens at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.
Age Groups and Award Categories (5k Only):
One overall male/female
Male/Female Age Groups:
14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over
Oct 25, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
09:00
$30.00
Oct 25, 2026
Distance — 3.2K
Type — Running
09:00
$30.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Rolling Meadows.
Learn more about the host city, Rolling Meadows.
Rolling Meadows is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a suburb of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 24,200.
Read more launchTours and activities near Rolling Meadows, powered by Viator.
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the 26th Annual Shannon McNamara Memorial Run/Walk.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Spotted an error or missing detail about the 26th Annual Shannon McNamara Memorial Run/Walk? Help us improve.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Mount Prospect, Illinois, US
calendar_today Oct 04, 2026
location_on Elk Grove Village, Illinois, US
calendar_today Oct 03, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Sep 30, 2026
Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa turns another year older, and we are throwing a party you can run. The Cake Mile is four laps aro…
Read more
Sep 30, 2026
Celebrate your confidence and strength wherever you are! The I AM Too Sexy Virtual 5K is all about embracing your journ…
Read more
Sep 30, 2026
StrongHER Louisiana is a community fun run/walk hosted by the Louisiana Department of Health's Office on Women's Health…
Read more