(Chicago, IL) – When a Chicago Marathon runner signs up to run with Team Red Cross, they pledge not only their determination and skill, but also the promise of raising $1,500 to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.
Runner John Alegnani from Louisville, Kentucky is no stranger to this promise: this is his third Chicago Marathon running for 
Team Red Cross. “When people decide to run (the Chicago Marathon), they often have a personal connection to the team they choose. I chose the Red Cross because they help so many people in need across the globe, that’s what keeps me coming back.”
131 runners crossed the finish line this year for Team Red Cross: the biggest number yet since the team was formed in 2007. Combined, over $200,000 was raised by our runners to benefit American Red Cross programs and services throughout Chicago and Northern Illinois: such as veteran assistance, reconnecting families, and home fire preparedness.
For first time C
hicago Marathon runners Tim Hotchandani of New York City and Paola Buitrago of Colombia, South America, the choice to run with Team Red Cross was personal.
Tim, a healthcare investment banker was the first Team Red Cross runner to cross the finish line at 2:55.30. “I wanted to match the professional with the personal,” for his first Chicago Marathon, he said.
Paola has followed the work of the Red Cross since moving to the Chicagoland area a year and a half ago, “Many of my friends in Colombia are volunteers with the International Federation of the Red Cross . When I moved to Chicago, many of my friends here are volunteers with the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois. So it was amazing to pick an organiza
tion to run with that everyone I know is already familiar with.”
An official charity partner with the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Red Cross is proud to bring together runners of all ages and abilities since 2007 in support of the its mission. If you or someone you know is interested in running the Chicago Marathon in 2016 with Team Red Cross, visit RedCross.org/chicagomarathon for details and sign up information.
For more photos of Team Red Cross at the Chicago Marathon:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chicagoredcross/albums/72157659284238510/with/21916361809/
Story by Alexandra Sobczak, Public Affairs Volunteer, American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois
Photos by Danny Diaz, American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois Volunteer
American Red Cross of Illinois 