Why Brenna & Louis Run 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 Brenna and Louis, a mother-son running duo and Lincoln Park locals taking on the marathon together!
IS THIS YOUR FIRST MARATHON?
Louis: This will be my first marathon! I have run the Shamrock Shuffle and other shorter races with my mom. I’m looking forward to running the marathon with my mom this year!
Brenna: I became a runner when I saw Joan Benoit cross the finish line of the first women’s Olympic marathon in 1984, which was a formative experience for me. I’ve run 28 half marathons and 7 full marathons, including 4 Chicago Marathons, and served as a course marshal for the 2025 Chicago Marathon. I’m excited to run Chicago 2026 with Louis and the ChiParks team!
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2026 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
The opportunity to run the marathon together is special. On a personal level, it is a wonderful opportunity to have a new family experience and participate in an amazing Chicago tradition together. It’s also special to raise awareness and support for Chicago parks. Lincoln Park has been our beloved “backyard,” and we have so many fond memories there. The parks have meant so much to us over the years!
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
Running the 2026 Chicago Marathon as charity runners for Chicago Parks Foundation is an opportunity to give back to the city and parks that have given our family so much enjoyment and figure so prominently in our family’s memorable moments.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO PARKS?
We love that the parks provide accessible green space for city dwellers and important habitats for birds and wildlife. Over the years, we have used the parks for quiet time, play dates, bird watching, day camp, picnics with friends, yoga, concerts, school activities, family photos, running, community events, and bike riding, to name just a few activities! As birding enthusiasts, we love that Chicago is on an important bird migration corridor, and over 5 million birds pass through during the migration seasons, resting and refueling at the Chicago parks along the way.
“This is an opportunity to give back to the city and parks that figure so prominently in our family’s memorable moments.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
First, being outdoors. Any time spent in nature is time well spent. Also, running is wonderful way to experience our beloved Chicago. There’s always something new to see running Chicago, from parks to lakefront, from the river walk to museum campus. Second, the community of people. Runners are a uniquely optimistic group!
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Brenna: I’m an avid birder and bird photographer. When I’m not running the lakefront and parks, you can find me birding at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary and around the city. I also have volunteered with the Lincoln Park Conservancy.
Louis: I’m a freshman at the University of Southern California at the School of Cinematic Arts. I’m an experienced rower and canoe tripper, and spend the summers working as a camp counselor in Canada, where I lead groups of school aged kids on camping and canoe trips through the lakes and rivers of Ontario.
