Why Leanne Middleton 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 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 Leanne Middleton, running her very first Chicago Marathon this year - and it’s for the parks!
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2024 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running in the 2024 Chicago Marathon means I get to do my favorite thing in my favorite city! I have been running for several years, so running a marathon was always on my “bucket list” as a new way to challenge myself mentally and physically.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TEAM CHIPARKS?
I am running on behalf of Team ChiParks because it just makes so much sense to me to be running for a foundation that supports all of the areas and green space us runners utilize every day. We wouldn’t have anywhere to run without our parks! I personally identify with their goals and love their mission.
“It just makes so much sense to me to be running for a foundation that supports all of the areas and green space us runners utilize every day. We wouldn’t have anywhere to run without our parks!”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO PARKS?
Being able to run in the parks, of course! However, I also love taking my dogs to the parks and just getting out in the fresh air.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite thing about training so far is of course telling everyone I am training for a marathon! But what runner doesn’t love that part. Oh and eating all of the extra snacks for energy. In all honesty, the training isn’t always glamorous; I have many days where it seems to be more discipline than motivation. In the end though, the most satisfying part will be when it all comes together in October!
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Outside of running, I am a nurse so my free time is far and few between my shifts. I wouldn’t change that for the world though, I love nursing! I also enjoy spending time with my two dogs and three cats. My free time has also been consumed with wedding planning!
