Why Erika Saltzman 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 Erika Saltzman - she doesn’t just run for the parks, she works for them! Erika has worked for the Chicago Park District for 20 years. She is a returning Team ChiParks member and a seasoned marathoner, having completed 16 marathons overall - 11 of those being the Chicago Marathon - plus New York, Grand Rapids. Traverse City, and Green Bay.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2023 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the Chicago Marathon is an amazing experience! I get to run with people from all over the world and run past world famous landmarks and through unique and interesting neighborhoods with crowds, music, and excitement. And I get all of this just by taking a train to the start line in Grant Park! Every year I swear it will be my last marathon and every year I sign up again. It’s addictive!
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TEAM CHIPARKS?
Because the parks in Chicago are a valuable resource. Living in the city can at times feel so crowded and hectic that having beautiful green space for relaxation and exercise is imperative! Nature is vital to our physical and mental health and I truly believe that everyone should have easy access to a beautiful, well-maintained park.
“I truly believe that everyone should have easy access to a beautiful, well-maintained park.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB AT THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT.
I’m the Deputy General Counsel and I work on contracts and finance. We deal with hundreds of parks, miles of lakefront, harbors and golf courses, and the work is busy, challenging and always interesting! I’ve been working at the District for 20 years and I still find the job to be rewarding and fulfilling.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
Well, it certainly isn’t the 20-mile training runs. What I enjoy the most is running with the people from my training group. Running together for hours in the sun, rain, wind or cold is a great way to bond. I love running with someone who is training for their first marathon and seeing them again at training the following year.
I just want to add a shout-out to the Clocktower Runners! They are a great group of runners who always keep me motivated.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Work and marathon training (and sleeping!) take up all of my time in the summer, but in the off-season I sing in a choir called Lux Cantorum. I also enjoy doing yoga when I need a break from running.
