Why Isabel 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 Isabel Saltzman, first time marathoner but big time Chicago Parks supporter!
This marks Isabel’s first marathon, but she has completed two half marathons: the Chicago Lifetime Half and the NYRR Brooklyn Half. As part of her marathon prep this year, she also completed the Toyota Miles Per Hour Run and the Shamrock Shuffle.
Though it’s her first time running with Team ChiParks, Isabel is no stranger to the Chicago Parks Foundation - she and her family have played a major role in CPF’s annual Run for the Parks 5K event, which is sponsored by the Saltzman family business, Banner Wholesale Grocers! Isabel looks forward to running the 5K for the third time this September along with friends and family.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon means everything to me. It represents dedication, hard work, perseverance, joy, commitment, and passion. I’m incredibly excited to push myself further and take my love for running to the next level. Being part of such an iconic event in my hometown makes it even more meaningful.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS
I’m running for Team ChiParks because it holds a special place in my heart. My family - and our family business - have long supported the Chicago Parks Foundation, and their mission truly aligns with our values. I couldn’t imagine running for any other team, and I’m so proud to be part of this one.
“Chicago’s parks are my happy place. Honestly, I wouldn’t be running this marathon without them - they’ve played such a key role in my journey as a runner.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO’S PARKS?
Chicago’s parks are my happy place. They’re where I go to run, reset, and recharge. I’ve seen firsthand how the city’s dedication to its parks has made them more vibrant and accessible over the years. Honestly, I wouldn’t be running this marathon without them — they’ve played such a key role in my journey as a runner.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of crossing a finish line - that sense of accomplishment is what keeps me going. Training can be long, tiring, and emotional, but knowing each step brings me closer to that moment makes it all worth it. I’ve loved meeting new people through running, especially exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods together.
This year’s marathon also holds extra meaning for me - I recently lost my first best friend, and I’ll be running in his honor. It’s one more reason this journey is so personal.
I’m lucky to have the best trainer (shoutout to Tony!) who’s helped me with form, accountability, and weekly run plans. His support has been essential to my training. I also can’t thank my CARA Downtown 11-minute run group enough. I was nervous to join, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The community and encouragement have made all the difference.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I love traveling and experiencing new cultures - my most recent trip was to Japan, where I was lucky enough to run around the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. My new favorite running path. I also love cooking and discovering new restaurants. I share my foodie adventures on Chicago-based food Instagram, @chitown_foodies, where I’ve built a community of over 23K followers. Above all, I cherish spending quality time with family and friends.
