Chicago Marathon Information!!!

Here is a recap of our superstar marathon team and their adventures on Marathon Sunday:

Running 26.2 miles is no easy feat, but neither is raising roughly $25,000 for Rock For Reading. I am proud to announce that the 2009 Rock For Reading Bank of America Chicago Marathon team accomplished both! The 34-member team had a busy summer of training and fundraising. Fitness clinics at Equinox gym and fun runs with team members have helped keep everyone motivated and fit for the big race on Oct. 11.

Anyone interested in running (a lot) and helping a great cause is welcome to join the 2010 team. We also invite anyone who can help plan running-related events, recruit team members and organize clinics during training to contact Rock For Reading.

Here are comments and reactions from Rock For Reading team members about the race:

I had a blast. The course is great. I love Chicago, and my friends that turned out were great. I’m so glad I chose Rock For Reading, and it’s something that is near and dear to my heart. Having a degree in teaching (even though I’m currently not teaching), reading is so important. Also, being a self taught guitar player, how can you go wrong! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LydTUOcLe8c)

I’m actually debating about doing the Marathon next year. If I do, I’m totally running for Rock For Reading again. You guys have been so easy to work with, and it’s a cause that I can easily get behind and help educate people on, which makes raising money so easy. I just wish I was able to meet up with everyone, but with my work schedule, I was not able to make it up for any of the runs or for the dinner the night before.”

-Mike

It was a great experience! Running for a cause made the event even more special, because I was not in it just for me. Knowing that my fundraising and effort during the race is helping boost literacy throughout Chicagoland helped get me through the most difficult miles (21-23, Yuck!).

It is an experience I would love to repeat with a focus on achieving a PR for my marathon time AND my fundraising.

-Meghan

Wow was Chicago a great time!

-Tricia

Wow, what a weekend. Because of my work schedule, I wasn’t able to fly into Chicago until Saturday night. Nothing like cutting it close. I was able to have my sister pick up my packets. Boy, was I shocked with the weather. Not what I was expecting. Cold, yes. Bone-chilling was just not what I was used to. I had a great run and finished in 4 hours 41 minutes, 21 seconds, which is 20 minutes faster than my last, so I’m improving…sweet. I am glad I was a part in helping to raise money for your charity, and I hope it was an overall success for your organization as well as for the other runners.

-Stephanie

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for everything you did to organize and motivate those of us running for reading this year. I had an awesome time on Sunday (as in fun time, though I was really proud of my 3:46, a good 22 minutes better than my old PR!), and even though by mile 17 I swore I’d never do another marathon, I’m already thinking about the next one. It was definitely more meaningful because I knew I was running for a cause I believe in, and the whole fundraising process was actually really enjoyable. I’m really glad I stumbled upon Rock For Reading earlier this year, and I am so grateful for all the time you guys put into this team.

- Michaela