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Why I’m Running the Chicago Marathon for Charity

February 24, 2016 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC44 Comments

If you’ve checked out my “Run” page lately, you might have noticed a new addition to my list of races for this year. I’m excited to share that I will be running the Chicago Marathon this year! AND, I’ll be running for a charity for the first time ever. 

Why I'm Running the Chicago Marathon for Ronald McDonald House Charities-2

 

I have run so many races over the year — six marathons, seven half marathons and many more shorter distances. While I’ve run charity races before, I have never really focused on fundraising for a particular race. As I began thinking about my 2016 race goals late last year, I kept going back to the idea of running for charity. I wanted my next marathon to mean something a bit more than just personal gratification. So, I started researching a number of different charities. I knew I wanted to run Chicago and so I checked out the official charity partners for the race. There are a lot of charity partners and a lot of great organizations to choose from. I considered a number of different charities and eventually was deciding between Girls on the Run and Ronald McDonald House Charities. I went with RMHC because I have friends who have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House with their kids and had such a positive experience. That really made my decision easier. Also, I chatted some with Alaina at The Simple Peach, who had run for RMHC before and she gave me great insight. 

So what does RMHC do? In short, RMHC provide a home away from home for families who are traveling for their child’s medical care. They provide a safe place for families to stay together during medical care, which allows families to travel to wherever they can receive the best care for their child without worrying about a costly hotel stay. The RMHC policy is to never turn a family away – families either stay at no cost or are asked to make a $25 donation – however, they are never turned away due to ability to pay. Think about if you had to travel to get your child treatment for an illness – how nice would it be to be able to house your family together in an upbeat environment with other families going through the same experience? I think that what RMHC does is amazing and I’m so honored to support this organization. You can learn more about the DC RMHC here.

I have committed to raising 1000 for RMHC, but I’m really hopeful that I can raise much more. I’m going to plan a fund raising event in DC over the summer, but in the interim I would be honored by your support. If you feel so inclined, you can support the Ronald McDonald House Charities by using this link. Thank you!

Thank you for supporting me in my efforts to raise money to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities – I so appreciate you all!


Comments

  1. Kimberly G says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:43 am

    The Chicago Marathon is actually one of my bucket list races. I cant wait to hear all about your experience and I love that you are running for this awesome charity.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 8:35 am

      I am super super excited about the race & supporting an incredible cause πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Angie @ Pace with Grace says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:50 am

    Congrats Courtney and how exciting! Ronald MCDonald house is amazing. Love that your doing this!
    Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…#NEDAwareness WeekMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 8:36 am

      Thanks Angie – I am really excited — I love running in Chicago & can’t wait for the marathon!

      Reply
  3. Sam @ See Sam Run says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:58 am

    This is awesome! I ran a half marathon for Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute last year and it was so rewarding! Good luck in your fundraising and I’ll try to support you once I start my “big girl” job!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 8:37 am

      Awesome to hear that you enjoyed your charity running experience! And thank you for even considering supporting RMHC πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Chaitali says

    February 24, 2016 at 9:06 am

    This is great! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the Chicago Marathon and the Ronald McDonald Houses do such important work. I look forward to hearing more about what you think of running a race for charity πŸ™‚
    Chaitali recently posted…Baja inspired tofu tacosMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 9:07 am

      Thanks – I’m so excited and will of course share my thoughts about the whole process!

      Reply
  5. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    February 24, 2016 at 9:44 am

    RMHC is a great organization. One of my childhood friends received chemo and other treatments at St. Jude’s in Memphis when we were in high school, and her mom spent countless nights staying at the RM house in Memphis. (Sadly, she passed away a couple of months after graduation.) They provide so much support to children’s families and never receive enough thanks and support for all that they do.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Chicken with Broccoli Stir FryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 10:03 am

      I am so sorry to read about your friend, Kathryn. I’m proud to help raise some money for this amazing charity, though!

      Reply
  6. Hollie says

    February 24, 2016 at 11:09 am

    I think this is truly incredible and I’m happy for you.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks Hollie! I’m super excited πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Shawna says

    February 24, 2016 at 11:11 am

    so nice that you’re running this for such a great charity! i’ve heard only good things about this race and might have to look into it one year. have fun training!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      I can not WAIT to run Chicago πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Victoria @ ice packs + races says

    February 24, 2016 at 11:38 am

    That’s so awesome, Courtney! I know it’s going to make that marathon finish even more meaningful πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks Victoria! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Jen@bubblyrunner.com says

    February 24, 2016 at 11:52 am

    So cool Courtney! I love that you’re running for charity, and I’ve heard amazing things about the Chicago marathon!
    Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Half Marathon Training Recap, Week 7My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      Me too – I’m so excited about Chicago and raising money for this amazing charity!!

      Reply
  10. Carson says

    February 24, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    I’m running for charity for the first time as well (St. Jude). I just started blogging about it since I’ll also be training for my first full along the way and need to be held accountable.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      That’s awesome. St. Jude is amazing -way to go!

      Reply
  11. Christina says

    February 24, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    OMG. ME TOOO!!!

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I’m not sure I’ve ever commented. I decided to run the Chicago Marathon this year, and I’ve known from the start I wanted to run for a charity. I chose RMHC for the same reasons you did – it was a place of hope and calmness for friends when they needed it most.

    This will be my first marathon, and I’m SO excited. I haven’t talked about it on my blog yet…my announcement is coming next week, but it’s awesome to already know who one of my teammates is!!
    Christina recently posted…Workout Wrapup (Monday 15th – Sunday 21st)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Yay! So happy to meet you, teammate! Can’t wait to take this journey together!!

      Reply
  12. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    February 24, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    RMHC does such great work! As someone who works for a non-profit, I can’t tell you how important are the funds raised by charity runners. Good on you for taking on this fundraising effort!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks Michelle – I’m thrilled to support RMHC πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Pam says

    February 24, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    This is awesome Courtney. RMHC is a great charity for your Chicago Marathon fundraising. We actually stayed at Ronald McDonald house in Indianapolis when Christine was a baby. It was such a great experience and we have donated to the charity since. I will be happy to support your cause once you have the link up.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      I think RMHC does such incredible work and I’m so pleased to hear you had a good experience with them, Pam. Thank you SO much for your support!

      Reply
  14. Samantha says

    February 24, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    That’s awesome!

    Reply
  15. Zenaida Arroyo says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    I am running the Chicago Marathon too! It is an amazing race with an awesome course. You will LOVE it. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to meet.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 11:14 pm

      That would be amazing!!!

      Reply
  16. Carmy says

    February 24, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    You are seriously one of the best of the best. I hope you know that. <3
    Carmy recently posted…Adidas PureBOOST X reviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 24, 2016 at 11:13 pm

      I am speechless. Your kind words & love is amazing. Thank you, Carmy!!

      Reply
  17. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    February 25, 2016 at 10:48 am

    The RMHC house in Little Rock, which supports the families of kiddos at Arkansas Childrens’ Hospital, is just amazing; I have done some volunteer collaboration with them and it’s such an incredible organization. I’m so thrilled that you are doing this and I know you’ll be a great partner with them for Chicago!! WOO HOO!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Oh thanks Tara – they really are an incredible organization and I’m so excited to support them!

      Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run says

    February 25, 2016 at 10:49 am

    You know how SUPER excited I am for you. I also looked at your schedule…I see Richmond Marathon as well! Woo πŸ™‚
    Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run recently posted…Gate River Run 15K Training Week 2 – 1/4-1/10My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Well — I probably will be dropping to the half because now I have a wedding here in DC that same day. Running the full would be cutting it a bit close… πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run says

        February 29, 2016 at 10:35 am

        Ahh right, I remember you mentioned in another post. I’m stoked I’ll finally run the half this year.

        Reply
  19. debbie @ Deb Runs says

    February 25, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Sadly, I’ve reluctantly decided that running another marathon wouldn’t be a good idea for me. If I got into Chicago, I’d hoped to run the first half then run/walk the second half as needed, but I’ve really been struggling lately with anything over eight miles. I’m still going to plow through and hope to have a lot of fun at the Chicago Spring Half in late May, though!

    I look forward to following your journey!
    debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…I Am ConfidentMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      I am saddened by this but it’s the right decision. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen you – we need to meet up for a run sometime soon!!!

      Reply
  20. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    February 25, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    I’m excited for you to run Chicago! Hopefully we can meet up!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      That’s a must! My new job’s headquartered in Chicago, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to spend a few days in town after the race, just working from the main office. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Alaina @ The Simple Peach says

    February 25, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    I CANNOT love this enough! You will love the experience. See you at the marathon!!
    Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Knoxville Half Marathon Training PreparationMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    March 3, 2016 at 8:26 am

    So exciting!! And an AWESOME charity. So many families that I take care of in the hospital depend on RM while their child is in the hospital. Great idea!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 3, 2016 at 9:19 am

      They are such a great organization!

      Reply
  23. Sana says

    March 29, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    Running a race for charity is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. I was amazed at how many friends and family members donated. It also helped me get over my pre race jitters when all I wanted to do was skip the race and go home. I was reminded of how much I had raised and that I was running for something more than myself.

    Reply

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