Why Steph T. 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 Steph, a self-proclaimed “outside kid” who is running her first marathon.
This will be my first marathon, but I’ve done many trail half marathons and road halfs as well. I grew up running with my family, especially my mom, whose idea of a good time is running 13 half marathons in 13 days to celebrate her retirement.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2026 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES MEAN TO YOU?
This fall, my marathoner mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Truth be told, we’ve never been super close, but she’s completed maybe 100 marathons? Maybe more? And she’s still running while going through treatment. I’m not sure if I’m running “for her” or really for me, to show that I can do hard things as well.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS?
I recently moved to Chicago in August after a long love-affair with the city of over a decade. I believe in giving back to my community and I think that having protected green spaces is exceptionally important. One of the things I love about Chicago is the availability of green spaces and I want to do what I can to keep them safe and available for everyone.
“One of the things I love about Chicago is the availability of green spaces and I want to do what I can to keep them safe and available for everyone.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PARKS?
I have always been an “outside kid” and I think that it’s really important to be able to provide outdoor spaces to kids and young adults as well as adults. I believe that connecting with nature and being able to play in the grass and in trees and in the outdoors is quintessential to having a happy life connected to the earth. I think it also teaches you how to live in community with others and share public spaces together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING?
If I am not training, I’m going crazy. For me, having an incentive to stay active and healthy through the winter is very important for my mental health. Training, especially when it’s cold or dark outside, boosts my mood and keeps me happy.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I just like being outside! In the winter I snowboard, and in the spring and summer I enjoy hiking and camping. I also enjoy going to live shows whenever I can.
