Going the Distance for The Chicago Lighthouse

Every year, thousands of individuals run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on behalf of charities and nonprofit organizations around the city. This year, Grace Reilly and Evalyn Kim will be running in the name of The Chicago Lighthouse. With the October 12 race fast approaching, both women are deep into training and proud to represent an organization that, like the marathon itself, reflects the resilience, diversity, and spirit of Chicago. 

“I came across The Lighthouse through one of my mom’s running friends, whose mother received Lighthouse services. So, when I found out that there was a bib for The Lighthouse, I was so excited to take it,” says Grace, who is running her second marathon. (She ran the Columbus marathon in 2023.) “Having this opportunity through The Chicago Lighthouse, it’s a dream of mine. Especially because entering the marathon is so competitive nowadays.” 

An Oak Lawn native, Grace says her training has had its share of challenges, but she has been able to use her past experience to help her power through. Grace recalls that in the Columbus marathon, she faced a wall around mile 20 and pushed through by thinking about the important people in her life, including her mom and her mom’s friend. This year, she intends to dedicate one of those last miles to The Lighthouse. While she knows a marathon may not be for everyone, she encourages those who may be interested to give it a try; they might surprise themselves.  

“You are far more capable than you think you are,” she says. “You don’t have to run it fast. You don’t have to run it on anyone else’s timeline but your own.” 

Evalyn Kim is also running her second marathon, having completed the Potomac River Run last year in Washington, D.C. As a graduate student studying physical therapy here in Chicago, this year’s race has taken on special meaning because–in addition to raising critical funds for a worthy nonprofit–it will give her a greater perspective on her chosen profession. “I chose The Chicago Lighthouse because it’s a great way to learn more about the resources for people with disabilities,” she says.  

Like Grace, Evalyn is drawing on some of her previous experience as she gets ready for race day. She knows the energy of the crowds and the spectators lining the streets will give her an extra boost of adrenaline when she needs it, and she’ll be on the lookout for her brother and parents who will be cheering her on. More than anything, Evalyn is excited to cross the finish line. 

“You train for so long, you put in so many hours on your body. But I think after I run the race, it’s time to enjoy all the hard work I put into it,” she says.  

In addition to Grace and Evalyn, two of our employees, U of I Health Call Center Agent Tim Paul and Chief Financial Officer Tony Fiore will also be running in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. They secured their bibs early, long before the charitable bibs for The Lighthouse were available.  

If running a marathon seems like it’s too much, perhaps you’ll consider participating in our Rise to Shine Run & Walk. There are 10K, 5K and 1-mile options that are accessible to all. Register at www.risetoshinerace.com.