Help Dylan Get to Chicago

On December 8 I woke up awaiting the news of whether or not I would be accepted into Chicago. My phone was flooded with texts from 8am until 10am of all my friends getting in, with me anxiously refreshing my inbox to no avail. Then at 11:12 am I got the email that said my initial application wasn’t accepted.

I was ecstatic for all my friends, but crushed nevertheless.

Though I knew that wasn’t the end there. So I decided to apply through the other route.

Running with a charity to guarantee my entry.

Now I’m in.

“You are committed to raising $1750USD by October 1, otherwise we reserve the right to pull your bib if you have not met the minimum commitment”

Though it isn’t an easy feat, I know I can get there.

But why do I want to go so bad now? Couldn’t I just reapply next year or just work hard for a qualifying time? What’s the point?

Let me tell you my story.

I started running in December of 2020 as a a tool to lose weight. What started off as something that helped me drop 45lbs, became something that would change my life in more ways than I could ever have imagined.

Running helped me become more disciplined and more competitive. I wanted to push my body past limits I never could imagine. And I wanted to beat that kid who was too slow to ever make the cross country team back in elementary.

Running helped me clear my mind. It helped me get rid of my anxiety, as I had no worries in the world except being faster than my last km.

It has helped me meet some amazing people and has provided my with opportunities I would have never been presented for which I am eternally grateful. But as much as I did it for myself, it’s time to do it for the people who need it.

So you see, other than the fact that I wanted to run this specific race with my friends since I began this journey. I know that it’s truly about something more.

There’s always a bigger picture.

On October 8th, 2023 I will be representing Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

As a member of Team RMHC, I will be training, fundraising and ultimately running 42 kilometres to help keep families together.

It costs approximately $100 to give a family one night of comfort and support. Your donation, of any amount, will not only help me achieve my goal, but will help children stay close to their families when they need it most!