Registration for the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has now closed, but we still have a few spots available! Sign up by contacting Jayme Lutsch
jayme.lutsch@heart.org or 312-476-6687
Bernie Salazar, season 5 at home winner of the biggest loser will Run With Heart in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Click
here to support Bernie!
“My name is Bernardo Salazar, known as Bernie by my family and friends. A little more than a year ago I weighed 283 pounds, an unhealthy weight for anyone. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Over the course of the show I lost 130 pounds and as a result was season 5’s at home winner.
In May of 2008 I set out to run my first Marathon. I had never even thought of running one mile let alone 26.2. The training was difficult but as each month past and with the support of my running group I found myself gradually running further and further. With the appropriate information and support of my new running buddies I completed my first marathon in October of 2008. Every journey does in fact begin with one step and the confidence in oneself to realize that through hard work and dedication anything is possible.
This year I will be running the Chicago Marathon and at the same time raising money for the American Heart Association an organization that has always promoted health and wellness. I invite you to begin your journey, please join me in helping to raise funds for the AHA by running the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As a member of the Start! Running Marathon Team, I will blog about my training ups and downs and invite you to join me!”
Run with the American Heart Association in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009.
The American Heart Association's Start! movement is a call to action for all adults to make the necessary lifestyle changes to live a heart-healthy life. By taking on the challenge to train and run 26.2 miles in the Bank of America Chicago marathon while raising necessary funds for the American Heart Association, you will allow the AHA to fulfill our mission to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke while changing your life along the way. By becoming a dedicated member of this remarkable team you will certainly make a difference in thousands of people's lives including your own. The AHA Start! Running team will train with Chicago Area Runners Association's (CARA) Marathon Training Program. CARA's training program is geared toward both beginners and experienced runners and has training locations in downtown Chicago and the suburbs.
Each runner is required to raise a minimum of $1500. After registering for the marathon and the American Heart Association's Start! Running marathon team, you will receive a personal fundraising web site that you will be able to customize, send emails from, receive secure online donations and track your progress. You will also receive a fundraising guide with sample letters, fundraising ideas and more. The American Heart Association staff is committed to your success in every aspect of the program and is here as support along the way.
Benefits to all American Heart Association Start! Running members raising a minimum of $1500:
Participation in the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) marathon training program and 1 year membership to CARA
Personalized fundraising Web page
Fundraising Guide
Official American Heart Association Start! Running Team singlet
Monthly Newsletter with day of event information, fundraising tips, training tips and more
The personal satisfaction that comes from training and competing a marathon WHILE raising crucial funds to help the American Heart Association continue it's mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Participation in various fun runs and discounts/giveways from sponsors
Support from teammates training for a common goal and cause
To register for the American Heart Association Start! Running team please contact:
Jayme Lutsch 312-476-6687
jayme.lutsch@heart.org
