Why Leanne Looney Runs for the Parks
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 Leanne Looney, running her 40th - that’s right, 40th! - marathon this year and her third in Chicago! Leanne completed her first marathon in November 2012 and never looked back.
WHAT DOES RUNNING THE 2023 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON MEAN TO YOU?
Running the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon means redemption. Last fall, I was accepted to run Boston for a charity. I had big dreams for Boston having fallen 24 seconds short of qualifying on my own. But then I got really sick and was in a five day coma with 17 days in ICU. My training for Boston was extremely minimal because of my health. Running Chicago gave me a marathon to look forward to when I would be healthy again. I am almost back to my previous health so I am excited to see how it will go!
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TEAM CHIPARKS?
I am running for Team ChiParks because I get to give back to Chicago. Tens of thousands of visitors descend on Chicago for marathon weekend. By fundraising for the Chicago Parks Foundation, I get to help visitors and the local community at the same time. We all benefit from clean healthy parks and programming!
“By fundraising for the Chicago Parks Foundation, I get to help visitors and the local community at the same time. We all benefit from clean, healthy parks and programming!”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO PARKS?
Having only visited parks downtown and near Navy Pier, the parks are places we go when I travel with my kids.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON?
My favorite thing about training is having a goal to work towards. So much of my time is filled with family and work. It's great to have a personal goal to strive for. I love chatting with other runners doing Chicago and love the vibe in the city of Marathon Weekend!
OTHER THAN RUNNING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I read, do origami, and hang with my family!
