Marathon: Crazy Inspiring

I've always thought marathon runners were crazy. There's just something inhuman about running 26.2 miles. With that said, I've also always thought there's something incredibly inspiring about the people who take on the challenge.

I love to hear their stories of determination and triumph. Over the last couple of days, I have read and watched some pretty inspiring stories about people in our area who laced up their shoes with a purpose on Sunday. I've posted links to just a few of my favorites below. Congrats to all you "crazy inspiring" runners out there!

Merri Lazenby

"The opportunity to share what one normal everyday Mom and nurse can do to make the world a better place is huge."

We highlighted Lazenby on this website in January after the nurse decided to donate her kidney to a security guard at Delnor Hospital in Geneva (LINK: Nurse Donates Kidney). Now she's continuing to inspire us! She decided to run the marathon for the first time this year to raise funds for Cal's Angels, which provides support to families of cancer patients. You can hear more of Lazenby's story in her interview with WBBM 780: First-Time Marathoner Has Inspirational Story

William Cooper

"I need to show that what I'm doing isn't really much compared to what they're going through."

This Northwestern University sophomore ran in his first marathon to raise money and awareness for an organization called Inheritance of Hope. It serves children and families caring for a parent with a terminal illness. Kristen and Deric Milligan (Cooper's aunt and uncle) founded the organization after Kristen was diagnosed with liver cancer. Kristen is currently recovering for surgery and continuing to fight her cancer. Cooper raised $1,000 to help families going through similar situations. Read more about his story here: Run With William

E.J. Scott

"I'm trying to raise money for the eye disease that is taking away my sight."

This Chicago improv comic is losing his sight due to a rare eye disease called choroideremia. He has less than 20% of vision in each eye and is legally blind. He decided to start running to raise awareness and raise some money for the Choroideremia Research Foundation. He ran on Sunday blindfolded to call attention to his cause and to protect his sensitive eyes from the sunlight. To read more about Scott's story and his connection to the HBO show "True Blood" check out this article by the Chicago Tribune: Chicago comic running blindfolded to shed light

Mike Stanton

"I am inspired by the way Danny lived, and I look forward to completing the race with Danny and Epilepsy awareness in my heart."

This Edgebrook father decided to run the marathon for his son, Danny. In December, 4-year-old Danny passed away in his sleep of a seizure. His parents started the Danny Did Foundation to help prevent deaths caused by seizures. Read more about Stanton's journey in a Sun-Times article from last month: Dad runs to save other families' kids


There are so many inspiring stories out there from the marathon! If you know of someone who ran the race that should be recognized, share their story below!