Why Curtis Swartzendruber 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 Curtis Swartzendruber, bringing his love of Chicago parks to his running.
Curtis completed two marathons in 2023 - Napa in the spring, and Chicago in the fall. He’s looking forward to getting back into marathon running after taking 2024 off to get married and enjoy his honeymoon. While it’s not Curtis’s first marathon, it is his first time running with Team ChiParks - and his parks enthusiasm is a perfect fit for the team!
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
The 2023 Chicago Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life, and I'm so excited to get to run again! It means so much running through the city I love, seeing the neighborhoods, and getting to experience such a fun and exciting day in the city.
WHY TEAM CHIPARKS
I was not aware of the Chicago Parks Foundation before browsing potential charities for the marathon, but I was immediately drawn to the organization due to my love of the Chicago parks and the hyper-local aspect of the charity. I love knowing the money I'm raising will be used to help the people of Chicago enjoy their parks more. In addition to the marathon in October, I'm running the Chicago 13.1 in June. I'm really looking forward to running and seeing different parks, and knowing that I am contributing to a charity that does so much to maintain and enhance these parks.
“I was immediately drawn to the organization due to my love of the Chicago parks and the hyper-local aspect of the charity.
I love knowing the money I’m raising will be used to help the people of Chicago enjoy their parks more.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO’S PARKS?
I love the parks for so many reasons, but mostly the aspect of finding a little green in my day to day life. Living in the city can get a bit draining, but I find getting a little time in nature and enjoying the outdoors is all I need to feel rejuvenated and in love with the city.
Being able to quickly access the parks from my home is such a blessing. I use the parks for so much, but to name a few: running, whiffle ball, golf, walks with my wife, and so much more.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite thing about training is the feeling of completing a run I didn't want to do. Particularly if it's a cold or rainy morning, or I'm just feeling a bit lagging, getting out and going for a run is a tough ask. However, when I get home and am able to reflect on my run, I always find joy in the sense of accomplishment and determination I feel.
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Outside of running, I love to cook and bake, especially for friends and family. I play a lot of games as well, be it cribbage or rummy at home or heading to a board game bar for a few rounds of new game! I also enjoy walking, playing golf, and reading. Send any good book recommendations my way!
I'm super excited for this opportunity and feeling so great that I found Team ChiParks! Excited for October!
