Why Kelli D. 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 Kelli Demontneay, an environmental advocate achieving a lifelong dream with Team ChiParks!
Kelli completed two marathons and four half marathons - just in 2024! This year, she is running the Chicago Marathon with Team ChiParks and couldn’t be more excited. “I love running so much!,” she says. “It makes me feel like I am strong and have self confidence. I feel like I am in another world where I am safe in a magical wonderland because I am so happy when I am running.”
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the Chicago Marathon is like a dream to me. I have three dreams - the Boston Marathon, the New York marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. Running these three marathons is like being an Olympian. Only 0.01% of people run marathons and I am part of that 1% and that makes me feel so wonderful inside. I will have accomplished something that I have always wanted to accomplish since I was a child. It's a childhood dream and now my dreams are coming true. When I found out I was running the Chicago Marathon, I started crying with happiness and joy. I felt like I was an Olympian running with a heart of gold.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS
Being a part of a team means a lot to me. I have never really had the experience of running with a team and being part of that team. Meeting new people who inspire one another and dedicate their time to running, Just being a part of a team that loves running as much as I do, means the world to me.
“I will have accomplished something that I have always wanted to accomplish since I was a child. It’s a childhood dream and now my dreams are coming true.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO’S PARKS?
Without parks, our wildlife would not have homes. Parks are extremely important to the planet earth. I am an animal lover and a vegan, and when I see parks thriving with trees, bushes, wildlife, and greenery, it makes me so happy because I know that the wildlife is safe. Parks are important because they provide benefits to our communities and animals. The parks help reduce air pollution and improve water quality. The parks help mitigate the effects of climate change. Help preserve natural resources and wildlife. And they can reduce stress and increase happiness. We need parks!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
Motivation, dedication, determination, and inspiration are all my favorite things about training. I motivate myself to put in greater effort, enabling me to enhance my speed and achieve peak personal performance. Running contributes to my well-being and provides a positive outlook. Running lifts my spirits and gives me my self-esteem and encouragement to do better for me!
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I promote kindness and compassion for everyone.
I love animals, follow a vegan lifestyle, and care for our planet. I dedicate my time to rescuing cats and dogs. I focus a lot of my energy on finding homes for the animals. Most of the time, my house is the haven for all my rescues. I serve as a volunteer organizer for Mercy for Animals, where I lead protests and outreach initiatives advocating for animal welfare.
I also have a strong interest in extreme sports, including skydiving, parasailing, and skiing. Additionally, my dedication to boxing and kickboxing provides me with inner strength.
