Why Arielle Ostry Runs for the Parks
Meet Team ChiParks in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ blog series highlighting members of our 2025 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 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 $2 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. We are thankful to our team!
Meet Arielle Ostry, running her very first marathon in 2025!
Arielle enjoys hiking with her dog, Jimmy
This is my first marathon, and I’m so excited to be running such an iconic race in the city of Chicago – a place that so much of my family calls home.
I’m pretty new to running, but really got into it when my partner was training for the Marine Corps Marathon last year. With so many hours in the week dedicated to her running schedule, running together was a great way for us to spend time together, get outside and stay active.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS
My first runs were on the paved paths of Rock Creek Park, an urban park that winds its way through the heart of DC. Throughout the week, I venture out to the trails in Sligo Creek, an urban park in my local neighborhood, to run and unwind.
I believe there’s something healing about spending time outside, and our parks provide us with a safe, enjoyable place to do just that. Access to beautiful green spaces should be available to everyone, especially those living in urban areas like Chicago, and that’s why I’m so honored to be running on Team ChiParks.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Just two years ago, I would have thought running a marathon was ludicrous. The longest I could run without stopping was about a mile. But since then I’ve seen a lot of growth in myself and my abilities. Now, running longer distances isn’t just doable, but potentially enjoyable. I’d like to see how far I can go, and training for a marathon is my way of doing that.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
When training really starts ramping up, I’m looking forward to slowly but surely achieving distances I’ve never run before. I believe with support from my friends, family and Team ChiParks, I’ll make it over that finish line in October! In general, my favorite thing about running is getting to spend time outside (when the weather is right). My least favorite runs will definitely be the ones on the treadmill.
Excited to start training and achieve this awesome goal along with so many other Team ChiParks runners!
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I really enjoy cooking, hiking with my dog, Jimmy (pictured above), and exploring new breweries and wineries with friends. I’ve also watched nearly all of Netflix’s true crime documentaries – not a flex, more like a confession.