“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” -Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon
(CHICAGO) Over one million people worldwide sign up for, train, and run a marathon every year. Each one of those runners has a reason why they do it. For some, it is their career, their livelihood. But for the vast majority, there are no titles to be earned nor prize money to be won.
They run for a purpose greater than themselves.
“Miles For Change” is a podcast series highlighting the stories behind why average men and women put their lives on hold to push their bodies to the limit for someone else.
The new series is hosted by Chicago media personality, Jen DeSalvo, a marathon and ultramarathon runner, and running coach.
“In 2008, I ran my first Chicago Marathon with Team in Training, the endurance fundraising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” says DeSalvo. “That season, that event…it literally changed the course of my life.”
During this first season, listeners will get an in-depth look into non-profits with running teams raising money while training to complete the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2022.
The giant event that blocks off streets each October in 29 of the city’s neighborhoods, is about more than running; it’s a vital economic resource that fuels hundreds of non-profits.
Since 2002, over 148,000 participants in the Chicago Marathon have raised more than $246 million for charity organizations partnered with the race.
“This platform allows charities to connect with people on their journey,” Chicago Marathon Race Director Carey Pinkowski says of the charity program. “It builds this community of individuals that are doing good.”
In 2019, over 11,000 runners who participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon were running for a cause. That year, they collected more than $27 million dollars in funds going directly to charities.
“We’re looking forward to a big year,” Pinkowski says.
When the pandemic forced the race to cancel in 2020, the momentum from the previous year was paused. Pinkowski says the organizers are forecasting 2022 to have the “largest charity participation in the history of the event.”
“We have people from all around the world all collectively reaching a really large goal. Running 26.2 miles is no joke! It’s a huge milestone,” says Angelica Cabrera, Development Associate for Girls on the Run Chicago. “But while they do that, they’re also incorporating this element of raising funds for a cause that they care about.”
The series showcases the determination of overcoming challenges by not just runners, but also charities working to make a difference in the lives of those who rely on their services.
Each episode features people who work inside the charity partner organizations, experts in the related field, benefactors of these non-profits, and of course, the personal stories of runners raising funds for the cause.
“Some of the best stories you will ever hear are from the people you meet during the long hours and miles of training or while racing in an endurance event,” DeSalvo says. “I wanted to create an experience where runners can hear these types of motivational stories even while hitting the trail or treadmill alone. Additionally, my goal is to provide a platform for these amazing organizations to inspire and educate the greater population by detailing the good work they do.”
This first season of the series features both local and national organizations working in animal welfare, education, healthcare, first responder, research, youth development, and sports.
“Whatever is important to you, there’s an organization out there that you can run with, make that commitment, and make a difference.” Dave Mutnick, Chair Board of Trustees Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Illinois
“Miles For Change” is now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart & Stitcher.
Get email updates by subscribing at milesforchange.substack.com.
Links to guest bios and fundraising pages at www.milesforchangepodcast.com
Instagram: @milesforchangepodcast
Facebook: /milesforchangepodcast
Twitter: @RunMiles4Change
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Miles For Change, The Podcast 