Chicago Marathon
by Colin Wallis (LIVESTRONG Staff)1 Comment
Today was another banner day for Team LIVESTRONG. Runners from all over the country toed the line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to raise funds and awareness for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the fight against cancer. In addition, we partnered with local Chicago organization and friends Imerman Angels (www.imermanangels.org) and fielded a huge team of runners. Yellow shirts were all over the course and manhy supporters lined the streets to cheer for our team. It never ceases to amaze me how many people put themselves on the line to support our cause it is truly inspiring each and every time.
A beautiful morning gave way to a warm and sunny afternoon. Fortunately, the race organizers were prepared for the temperatures after a rough go last year. It was a well-supported event and fluids and cooling devices were everywhere we turned. We had the opportunity to run with several Team LIVESTRONG members including Mike from Chicago whose Mom has been a lifelong Oncology nurse. He was running his first marathon in her honor I know that tonight she is one proud mom. As we all approached mile 22 clad in yellow, we were buoyed by a spectator who yelled, “Carpe Diem! It’s your LIVESTRONG. I must say it really summed up the day perfectly.
After the race we shared a tent with all of the Imerman Angels runners and supporters and celebrated everyone’s efforts. There were a lot of stories of survival being shared only today, the stories were of surviving 26.2 miles for a greater purpose other than the normally selfish endeavor of running a marathon. Jonny Imerman ran the marathon today and gave a nice post-race address to all in attendance. Jonny is one of the most inspiring guys I know and the true embodiment of LIVESTRONG. He was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and started an organization to give back and fill a need in his community that wasn’t being met. It struck me that 10 years ago, a young guy named Lance was a lot like Jonny he started an organization for the same reasons. It is people like Jonny, Lance, and the members of Team LIVESTRONG that are changing the world. We are all humbled and honored by your efforts.
Congratulations to all who made this event possible, particularly the members, families, and volunteers of Team LIVESTRONG we could not have done it without you all. And a special thanks to Colleen Wilson for orchestrating the whole effort like the class act that she is.
LIVESTRONG,
Colin
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