Our runners make it happen! Meet Team ChiParks in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ blog series highlighting members of our 2023 charity team.

The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, as well as the Shamrock Shuffle and the new 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 $1.5 million for the parks - vital park projects, community and teen programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more. This is the Chicago Parks Foundation’s biggest fundraiser!

Meet Alia Karmali, a Sports Medicine Podiatrist running her first Marathon with Team ChiParks!

I've been a runner for a long time. I picked up the “hobby” during my medical training. Little did I know it would mean so much more than that. At the time, running paralleled many of my sentiments with foot & ankle training - “You will want to stop. Don't.” Running helped me realize that difficulty and pain don't go away, we just learn to tolerate it. And maybe, on the good days, even enjoy it.

Running was my solace from the library and the operating room, as I further learned the intricacies and  mechanics of the foot and ankle. I began to focus on the little details: my cadence, my posture, my strike. 

As my interest in running piqued, and I began training for a half-marathon, I learned the art of discipline. Waking up early on Saturdays for the long run. Preparing a macro-focused, nutritious meal the night before. The difference between zero-drop heel sneakers. Hydrating. Hydrating. Yes, I said it twice. 

After 13.1 miles, I realized the truth of the matter is that physical strength gets you to the start line but mental strength will get you to the finish line. The strength is within you, with every mile and with every step. Running has served as my escape, my excuse for exploration through every city my training has taken me to (shoutout to Philly, Seattle, Portland, Palo Alto!), and my solace from the busyness of daily life. Growing up in the Northwest, I was accustomed to being surrounded by Evergreen trees, mountain peaks and water (in many forms). After relocating to the Midwest, the Lakefront Trail and green spaces within the city served as arenas where I could remember home. They made adjusting easier in the midst of a concrete jungle, as I knew there was a dedicated sphere where I was able to connect with nature.

This is why I have chosen to run my first marathon in honor of ChiParks. The Chicago Parks Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to working with the Chicago Park District in a private-public partnership. By fundraising for ChiParks, I am supporting a team that is committed to giving back to parks in all Chicago communities. After all, without Chicago’s parks and 18 miles of Lakefront Trail, where would we run?

Thanks for choosing the parks, Alia!