Why Cristian S. 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 Cristian, taking on the Chicago Distance Series this year and training in the parks!
IS THIS YOUR FIRST RACE?
This year I plan on completing the Chicago Distance Series. I have never run in any event before, and this year will be my first time doing so. I am taking on the 8K, the Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon. I am so thrilled for this experience.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2026 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES MEAN TO YOU?
Truthfully, 2025 was such a hard year for me. I lost my job due to politics and funding, had to put my childhood dog to sleep, and my beloved grandmother passed away. In the midst of all the bad news, I started losing myself to depression and anxiety due to so much grief. One day, I woke up and went to a nearby park to reflect on everything I had lost.
There, I realized I was healthy and could run and do something for myself after seeing so many people be active. That’s where I needed a goal to help me fight through the thoughts in my head. I decided the half and full marathon would become something to prove to myself and to dedicate to my deceased grandma and dog.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
I chose Team ChiParks because my grandma would always take me to various parks around the city when I was a kid. The memories I have of her are all over the city in different parks. That’s why I wanted to run for this organization and honor my grandmother for taking every second of her life to make sure I was happy.
“I’m running for the parks, the people, and mental health all together. The parks make the communities stronger. ”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO PARKS?
Today, I run from park to park. I run from trail to trail and I’ve met wonderful people at these parks who have motivated me to come this far. We are all human trying to move up in life and do what makes us happy. For some of us, nature and parks make us happy. That’s why I use them.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING?
I have been training since October of 2025. Seeing what I am capable of and beating my own self doubts has become such an adrenaline rush that I don’t want it to end. Every time I run a longer distance, I tell myself… “Wow, I didn’t know I could run that far without stopping”. I surprise myself every time.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
During my free time, I like to play soccer and spread positivity. Sometimes I write random motivational notes for random strangers and hand them out while they walk through the park. Those messages resonate with me, but I have seen a lot of individuals break down after reading the note. It’s like they carry so much weight on their backs and nobody notices. Well, I do, and one day I’ll become a good therapist if life allows me to.
I would like to ask you all to help me accomplish the donation goal. I’m running for the parks, the people, and mental health all together. The parks make the communities stronger. Let’s give back in any way possible.
