I am running the Chicago Marathon to raise funds for Chicago Run, a non-profit organization that brings running programs into at-risk, low-income schools that have lost funding for all of their physical education programming. This means that youth have no gym, no sports and no recess; this program has these students run at least one mile during each session at least once per week. Each week, students build their endurance and distance and finally compete against each other and in official 5k and 10k races around the Chicago area. The program has grown to over 70 schools served and the funds that I raise from running the Chicago Marathon will provide a full year of programming for 30 kids!!!

The mission is to promote the health and wellness of Chicago children through innovative, engaging, and sustainable youth running programs. Chicago Run currently serves 13,400 students throughout Chicago in 70 Chicago Public Schools. 89 % of Chicago Run participants qualify for free or reduced lunch. Chicago Run currently has a wait list of schools. All donations will help Chicago Run meet the demand and allow for more children in Chicago to get up and running during the 2012-2013 school year.