The 2024 Chicago Marathon is set to occur this Sunday, drawing over 50,000 participants from around the world to tackle 26.2 miles through the city’s streets.
Although the Chicago Marathon doesn’t usually draw as much celebrity attention as the New York City Marathon, there are still some recognizable faces on this year’s list of runners.
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, now marathon regulars, are returning to race. Robach has completed the NYC Marathon three times, while Holmes has run alongside her for the past two years. The couple, who also co-host a podcast, will be recording live at the Chicago expo on Friday at 4 p.m. CT before the big race.
Patina Miller, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer, is another notable participant. She’s previously finished the NYC Marathon twice, including a time of 4:00:36 last year after performing the national anthem. Fans may also know her as Commander Paylor from The Hunger Games films.
Claire Holt, an actress known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, is running to support Boston Children’s Hospital, having completed the NYC Marathon in 4:03:17 last year. Meanwhile, Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper, is raising funds for Apna Ghar, an organization that combats gender violence.
Alongside the celebrities, there are countless runners with their own inspirational stories.
César Torruella from Puerto Rico, who now lives in Chicago, began running in 2021 during the pandemic when he weighed nearly 500 pounds. Having lost 300 pounds since, he joined a running club and will be participating in his first marathon to raise awareness for art education as the head of the Chicago Public Schools’ arts and education department.
Summer Willis, from Lexington, Virginia, was sexually assaulted at 19 and has since set a goal of running 29 marathons in her 29th year to support other survivors and raise funds for her foundation, Strength Through Strides. Chicago will mark her 29th race.
Truth Bachman from Brooklyn, New York, is running to achieve their fourth World Marathon Majors star, aiming to be one of the first nonbinary individuals to earn a Six Star medal. With Tokyo and London still ahead, Bachman likens the marathon journey to transitioning, a transformative physical process that keeps them motivated.
Lauren Pendergrass from Dixon, Illinois, will run her first Chicago Marathon in memory of her brother, Grant, who died in 2021 from a drug overdose. She is running to support Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit aiding teens with anxiety and depression.
Germany’s Thomas Eller, the first Deaf-born World Marathon Majors Six-Star Finisher, has used his marathon journey to elevate the voices of the Deaf community and promote inclusivity.
Phil Sussman, a veteran from Madeira Beach, Florida, thought he might never run again after sustaining injuries, including a broken back in 2015, while serving in the Army Special Operations. He has gradually rebuilt his running strength, and this Sunday, he’ll run with the Semper Fi Fund charity team, having completed a half marathon on Memorial Day in honor of his comrades.
Additionally, longtime marathon participants Randy Burt, Henry Kozlowski, and George Mueller will join Sunday’s race, having been part of every Chicago Marathon since its first race in 1977.
