Why Denise R. 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 Denise, running her third marathon this year and first in Chicago!
IS THIS YOUR FIRST MARATHON?
This will be my 3rd Marathon. I’ve done The Long Beach Full Marathon, and the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon in Ojai, CA. I’ve also done 13 half Marathons.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2026 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the Chicago Marathon is a huge lifelong dream I never thought I would do. Being in the city, feeling the energy, and being able to hear the cheers from strangers helping each other along the way. But it’s more than just me - I carry in each step all those who can’t run, each step, every mile is bigger than me. Finally, I am doing what I promised myself I would do.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
Running with ChiParks is incredibly meaningful to me because this foundation promotes a clean, safe space for people to come together.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PARKS?
I don’t live in Chicago, but I’ve had the opportunity to visit and and truly fell in love with the city. It was clean and the parks I visited were beautiful. Where I live in California, parks have played a huge part in my life and my children’s lives. It’s a place that I can take my girls to Easter egg hunts, community food events, celebrations and soccer practices. Parks are for everyone and are vital because we can all come together.
“Parks are for everyone and are vital because we can all come together.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite thing is when it’s done and I am tapering, I feel accomplished and ready. Running has always been something I love. It’s helped me clear my mind, supports my mental health and gives me space to reset.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I like to paint, and watch movies with my daughters, and I love shopping!
FINAL THOUGHTS -
I’d like to say thank you to my family and friends who have encouraged me and put up with my running, because it’s very time consuming. To my coach, who has helped me train and pushed me to do hard things, even while facing his own battles. Through him I’ve learned that with true strength, along with my great running group cheering me on, I have been able to turn dreams into reality.
