Why Brendan C. Runs for the Parks
Our “Why I Run for the Parks” blog series highlights members of our 2026 Team ChiParks charity running team.
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Partner Charity since 2013, with teams running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (October) and Bank of America Chicago 13.1 (June) with us annually. New for 2026, we also have a small group of Team ChiParks going to the Marathon de Paris (April)!
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 over $2.5 million for the parks. This is the Chicago Parks Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing in unrestricted private funds to help our public parks thrive. We are thankful to each and every member of our team, and we’re excited for you to get to know them!
Meet Brendan, whose first marathon will be especially meaningful - while also supporting a meaningful cause.
This will be my very first Marathon. However, I have run 6 half Marathons (3 NYC Runs Brooklyn Half Marathons, 1 Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon, 1 Philadelphia Rocky Run Half Marathon, and 1 Lifetime Miami Half Marathon).
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2026 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES MEAN TO YOU?
Running the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon represents far more to me than completing 26.2 miles—it symbolizes faith, perseverance, gratitude, and the power of overcoming what once felt impossible.
On March 22, 2025, I set out for what should have been a routine six-mile run through Central Park. Within minutes, I suddenly lost feeling in my right leg. What followed was an emergency trip to the ER, where doctors discovered a blockage in my femoral artery that required immediate, life-saving intervention. Over the next three weeks, I remained hospitalized, undergoing two procedures that ultimately saved both my life and my leg, while facing complications and uncertainty along the way. That period was the most challenging experience of my life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. There were moments filled with fear, doubt, and exhaustion. Yet through it all, I was carried by faith and the unwavering support of my family and friends. This experience taught me firsthand how quickly life can change, and how powerful trust and faith are in overcoming even the greatest obstacles.
This past November — a little over seven months later—I was able to build enough strength and endurance to run again and complete a half marathon in Philadelphia. That moment marked not just a physical milestone, but a testament to resilience, patience, and believing in the process even when progress feels slow.
Completing that race inspired me to pursue a bigger goal: running my first full marathon at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Crossing that finish line would represent victory over adversity, gratitude for a second chance, and a celebration of how far I’ve come. It would also allow me to run for a greater purpose— supporting a meaningful cause through Team ChiParks and the Chicago Parks Foundation.
This marathon is proof to myself and to others that no obstacle is insurmountable when you stay faithful, stay positive, and keep pushing forward.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
Running the Chicago Marathon for Team ChiParks is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for distance running with my lifelong commitment to public parks. I consider it an honor to fundraise on behalf of the Chicago Parks Foundation and help ensure that Chicago’s parks continue to thrive as inclusive, welcoming spaces for future generations.
“I consider it an honor to fundraise on behalf of the Chicago Parks Foundation and help ensure that Chicago’s parks continue to thrive as inclusive, welcoming spaces for future generations.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PARKS?
I am an avid outdoors enthusiast and local park lover currently residing in New York City, where parks are an essential part of daily life, community, and well-being. My appreciation for public green spaces, however, began much earlier. Growing up in Philadelphia, I spent much of my youth volunteering in neighborhood park cleanup and restoration efforts. Those early experiences taught me the importance of accessible, well-maintained parks as places for connection, recreation, and equity within urban communities.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING?
The best part of training for a marathon is embracing the challenge and slowly seeing progress unfold. Each run builds not just physical strength, but confidence and patience— learning to trust the process day by day. There’s something incredibly rewarding about putting in the work and realizing you can go a little farther or feel a little stronger than before. Running outdoors, especially on trails and through parks, adds to that joy—the fresh air, changing scenery, and connection to nature make every run feel purposeful and freeing. It’s the combination of challenge, growth, and the simple thrill of being outside that makes training so meaningful to me.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Outside of running, I love staying active through weightlifting, CrossFit and bootcamp classes, hiking, and snowboarding. I’m equally energized by the creative and entertainment space—whether that’s catching Broadway shows, taking dance classes, or attending live concerts. I enjoy experiences that blend movement, creativity, and community, and I’m always excited to explore new ways to stay active while engaging with the arts.
