Why Eladio G. Runs for the Parks
Meet Team ChiParks in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ blog series highlighting members of our 2025 charity team.
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, as well as the Bank of America Chicago 13.1.
These dedicated runners choose to make their miles extra meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. Since our start, Team ChiParks and their supporters have raised nearly $2 million for the parks - vital park projects, community programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more. This is the Chicago Parks Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. We are thankful to our team!
Meet Eladio, who has been running marathons for over a decade!
IS THIS YOUR FIRST MARATHON?
My marathon journey began in 2014 when I ran the Los Angeles Marathon as a high school freshman through Students Run LA, a nonprofit that empowers LA youth to train for and complete a marathon as a path toward academic success.
Running that first marathon demonstrated to me that I was capable of achieving difficult feats. Since then I have completed 10 marathons total: 7 LA Marathons, 2 San Francisco Marathons, and 1 Big Sur Marathon.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the Chicago Marathon is incredibly meaningful—it will be my first Abbott World Marathon Major, my first marathon outside California, and my first visit to Chicago!
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
As an immigrant kid growing up low-income in Los Angeles, my family relied on local parks and recreation centers that offered free or low-cost sports and community programs for enrichment. Some of my best childhood memories come from those spaces—whether it was walking through parks with my family, competing in swim meets, or taking teen leadership classes.
Now, as the first in my family to graduate high school, attend college, and work in higher education, I am proud to give back by supporting youth in Chicago through Team ChiParks. Fundraising for this team aligns with one of my core values: giving back to the community.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PARKS?
Unsurprisingly, what I enjoy most about parks is running through them during my workouts. Sometimes I’ll even walk barefoot through the grass, beach, or dirt to ground myself and reconnect with the Earth. Parks offer a peaceful escape from the chaos of city life.
“As the first in my family to graduate high school, attend college, and work in higher education, I am proud to give back by supporting youth in Chicago through Team ChiParks.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite part of marathon training is pushing myself—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—while setting new goals. I also love connecting with other runners, both in person and online. Sharing tips on pacing, nutrition, and upcoming races often sparks new friendships rooted in wellness and shared passion. Feel free to follow and connect with me on Instagram: @eladioelmaratonista.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I am a big fan of reading works by Latin American authors, especially those in the genre of magic realism. I love going out dancing with friends and learning new moves. Pushing myself to learn to dance salsa and cumbia better. Lately, I have been diving deeper into cooking and learning how to make more dishes from my Central American roots.
