Our runners make it happen! Meet Team ChiParks in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ blog series highlighting members of our 2024 charity team.

The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, as well as the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and the Bank of America 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 over $1.5 million for the parks - vital park projects, community programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more. This is the Chicago Parks Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser!

Meet Elise Ozturk, running her first ever marathon this year!

WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2024 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?

I grew up in Chicago — I’ve since moved away, but Chicago gave so much to me as a kid that I’m thrilled to be able to give back by running the marathon for charity!

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING ON BEHALF OF TEAM CHIPARKS?

I chose Team ChiParks because the Chicago parks and park district programs were a really important part of my childhood. I attended summer camp at River Park, played tee ball at Welles Park, did community theater at Chase Park, played AYSO soccer at the lake front… Having these wonderful public green spaces is really important to our Chicago communities, and I want to do what I can to keep them available to the next generation.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO’S PARKS?

Whenever I visit my family, we spend a good part of every visit in the parks, walking, going to community yoga classes, attending Shakespeare in the park, enjoying the lakefront, etc. Chicago is a large, bustling urban place, but the parks make it possible to find respite from the grind and bring us closer to our neighbors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?

I love that training is forcing me to get outside most days, in rain or shine! Being out in my neighborhood regularly helps me feel more connected to the place where I live and the changing seasons.

OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Outside of running, I like to play soccer, do ceramics, weave/knit/crochet, and play boardgames.

Thank you for choosing the parks, Elise!