Why Chad McMann Runs for the Parks
Our runners make it happen! Meet Team ChiParks in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ blog series highlighting members of our 2023 charity team.
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, as well as the Shamrock Shuffle and the new Chicago 13.1.
These dedicated runners choose to make their miles extra meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. Since our start, Team ChiParks and their supporters have raised nearly $1.5 million for the parks - vital park projects, community and teen programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more. This is the Chicago Parks Foundation’s biggest fundraiser!
Meet Chad McMann, running his fourth Chicago Marathon this year! While it’s not his first race, it is Chad’s first time running on behalf of a charity team. We’re so excited that he chose Team ChiParks!
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2023 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
It’s a personal challenge, as I attempt to set a PR and improve on previous marathons, but it’s also a chance to run through and celebrate the greatest city in the world. The fact that I’m running for charity for the first time and raising money for Team ChiParks makes it even more meaningful.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TEAM CHIPARKS?
This is my first time running the marathon for charity, and I knew I wanted to run for Team ChiParks. The city’s parks are one of my favorite things about Chicago, and I want to help improve them and make them more accessible for everyone.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO PARKS?
The obvious answer is running. On a regular basis, I run on the Lakefront Trail, the North Branch Trail, the North Shore Channel Trail, and through or around Welles Park, River Park, and Horner Park. But more importantly, they’re a refuge of green space in the city, and a place where neighborhoods congregate and people come together and interact in a city that is too often segregated and divided.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite thing is the motivation it provides me to get out and run more often and on a regular schedule. And as the runs get longer, it’s an impetus to run to different parts of the city.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
During marathon training it doesn’t feel like I do much besides running, but outside of running I am an avid soccer fan (West Ham United and the Chicago teams, Red Stars and Fire), a record collector, and a proud cat and dog dad.