Why Chicago-Area Runners Race In The Boston Marathon: Testimonies

PLAINFIELD, IL — Monday's Boston Marathon is the first in the city in more than 900 days as a result of COVID-19. Runners from across the county and world venture to Massachusetts to participate in the famed marathon, and the reasons they enter the race are varied.

In Illinois, Patch asked for testimonies from people who will be participating in the 26.2-mile race. For some, their parents inspired them to run. For others, they're actively working to better their lifestyles.

In recent years, more than 30,000 people have entered the Boston Marathon — for which the first race was held in April 1987. Held annually since, the race was canceled in 2020 and postponed from April to October this year due to COVID-19 concerns.

Race officials said the marathon will return to its traditional Patriots' Day date starting next year.

Patch is covering the Boston Marathon before, during and after the race. Sign up for our free newsletter to get the latest.

Here are the stories of runners representing Plainfield, Geneva and Aurora.

Mark Barnaba, 55, Geneva

"I started running in order to commit to a healthier lifestyle. I heard about the Boston Marathon, but never dreamed of qualifying for it. It became my running goal & after seven years of training, over a one hundred pound weight loss & achieving four Boston qualifiers, I am finally getting the chance to run from Hopkinton to Boston. It’s been an amazing journey, and it will be my 14th marathon."

Nicole Knecht, 37, Geneva

"I’m a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with a passion for fitness. In my profession at Northwestern Medicine, I see the amazing impact of nutrition and movement on our bodies. I’m inspired by my clients every day! Together we work to improve lifestyle and positively impact health. During 2020, I added RRCA Running Coach Certification to my expertise. My passion for running goes even further back. My dad is a marathon runner who ran Boston 15 years ago (110th Boston Marathon in 2006). I’ve dreamt about running Boston like my dad for more than a decade. I’ve qualified four times but haven’t gotten to run it until now… the 125th Boston! I owe much of my success to our running community, the Fox River Trail Runners. They have provided the support, knowledge, and continuing inspiration I’ve needed to make this happen. It was a hard year to get in (cut-off time 7:47 under qualifying time) but I knew anything was possible with the right training and support. I can’t wait to run with my dad, mom, husband, two sons, dear friends, colleagues, clients, and running community cheering me on. I wouldn’t be here without each and every one of them."

Abby Omerza, 50, Aurora

"I first ran the Boston Marathon in 2013, which will forever be remembered as 'the year of the bombing.' I had a good race and was finished (and safely in my hotel room) when the bombs went off. I am forever grateful that I was safe, as well as my sister who came with me to cheer me on. However, I was sorry to have the memory of an experience of a lifetime forever colored by the tragedy that happened that day. I have wanted to get back to run Boston again ever since. I initially set a goal to return in 2018 for the 5 year anniversary, but because of health issues was unable to qualify. (And in the end, I was glad I didn't go that year as it will also go down as the worst weather ever for the marathon!) In 2020 I was finally in good shape again to qualify but like every other runner was disappointed when races were canceled due to Covid. I had the opportunity to run a qualifying race this past April, the Spring BQ.2 Marathon held in Geneva. The race was held just in time for registration for this year's Boston marathon. I am very excited to be part of a historic event, as this will be the first (and hopefully the only) time that the Boston Marathon has been held in October instead of April."

Dan Ulaszek, 40, Plainfield

"I won entry through iFit and interactive training company that is on all Nordictrack equipment. I have been training using their equipment since February, but it all started back in August of 2020 really. I started walking and running like many to lose weight and it slowly became a good obsession. I never imagined it would lead to such an epic race like Boston. I feel truly blessed.

"You can read my letter I wrote to express why I wanted to run Boston. Essentially I’m doing this for my three daughters as a #GirldDad adventure to help set their comparative bars high."

Are you running in the Boston Marathon and want to share your story? Send an email to emily.rosca@patch.com. I'm all ears.

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