Meet the runners of our Team ChiParks charity team in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ series!

The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, and this year we’re excited to also add the new Chicago 13.1 half marathon to our roster on Chicago’s West Side.

These dedicated runners choose to make their miles extra meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. In the last eight years, Team ChiParks and their supporters have raised nearly $1 million for the parks - vital park projects, community and teen programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more.

Running is critical to marathoner Charly Moran’s physical and mental health.

“I run to become an image of motivation to help people shift towards a healthier lifestyle, and I run for suicide prevention,” says Charly. “Exercising is what prevented me from committing suicide when I was 18 years old, and I’m glad that I didn’t kill myself.”

In 2021, Charly completed the 50th Anniversary TCS New York City Marathon - his first. Chicago will be Charly’s second marathon, and he is on a journey to become the second youngest in the entire world to finish all six World Marathon Majors!

What does running the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon mean to you?

This race means a lot to me. I run to inspire people to shift towards a healthier lifestyle. I run to give people a reason to exercise. I run to give people one more reason not to commit suicide. I run to motivate people to give up smoking and drinking heavily on alcoholic beverages.

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon on behalf of Team ChiParks?

I run for Team ChiParks because I want to show that parks aren’t boring but hold a special place in our hearts for things like exercising, enjoying time with our friends and families, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that each park offers. I want to show how important these parks are in our lives because if parks didn’t exist, where would the Chicago Marathon be? Where would the NYC Marathon be? Would races like these even exist? Life would be very boring without parks.

What do you love most about Chicago parks and how do you use them in your life?

I live in NYC not in Chicago so I don’t use those parks in my life, but I do use the parks where I live like Prospect Park and Central park. Usually I like to run or ride my bike in these parks. I crossed the finish line of the NYC marathon in Central Park and that will forever hold a special place in my heart and memories.

What is your favorite thing about training for the Chicago Marathon?

I enjoy running super early in the mornings. I’m up at 5:15AM and begin training at 5:30AM. I love having the streets to myself and enjoy watching the sunrise while I’m running. I feel super great about myself after each run is over.

Honored to have you on the team, Charly!