RUN FOR AUTISM

Beneath cloudy skies, and spotty rain the Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomed a diverse field of runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states.  Included in that were 123 runners for the RUN FOR AUTISM – Chicago Marathon Team.

Race weekend kicked off with one of the largest race expos composed of over 125 exhibitors at the McCormick Place Convention Center.  During the two-day Expo, the RUN FOR AUTISM staff were honored to see many of this year’s Chicago team, including first-time and veteran marathoners.

Before the sun rose on October 7, the RUN FOR AUTISM Team gathered at the Blackstone Hotel in Downtown Chicago to stretch, grab a quick snack and pin on bibs before heading out to the marathon start line.  This year’s Bank of America RUN FOR AUTISM Team was comprised of 123 runners raising over $150,000, and still counting!  Among the top fundraisers were Diane Kellenberger and Sheryl Patel.  Diane, who is an autism grandmother, is no stranger to the RUN FOR AUTISM Team, with multiple Chicago Marathons already under her belt, she is leading the fundraising with a total of $6,759.

With the cooler temperatures a vast majority of runners were able to achieve amazing finishing times.  Amanda Timmerman was the fastest OAR runner with a finishing time of 3:23:00.  Longtime OAR runner Bruce McNair battled an injury and still finished with an impressive 3:26:49. 

With such a fantastic team of runners, volunteers, and supporters, it’s no surprise that the Bank of America Chicago Marathon continues to be a success for OAR raising over $150,000 this year.  Although the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is less than two months behind them, OAR staff is already gearing up for the 2019 Chicago Marathon

Interested in participating in one of the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?  Click here to register today.