2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team CCF

The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon was held on a beautiful, crisp Fall morning on Sunday, October 8. A record-breaking 48,000 runners took to the streets to test their endurance and achieve their personal goals.

Included in that number was TeamCCF, consisting of 25 dedicated runners. After an 18-week training journey leading up to the marathon, their commitment and determination paid off. Every Team member that started the marathon that morning, completed it.

In addition to running one of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors, the team raised an incredible $60,500 for the Foundation. Each TeamCCF runner ran for a loved one and was passionate about helping those dealing with cholangiocarcinoma.

Rachel Perry and her husband, Alex Place, traveled from Nova Scotia, Canada to run in memory of Rachel’s father.

“We both had a blast, Chicago is a wonderful city and the energy from the crowd is amazing. Thank you so much for having us on the team. It’s amazing what the foundation is doing for cholangiocarcinoma, and I’m so glad we could help support it. I know how hard of a fight my father had and any help or support that we can provide someone else going through this illness with the funds we raised means the world to me. This was a wonderful way to remember my father. The sadness never goes away but running truly helps heal me.”

First-time runner, Alyssa Wallace of Brownstown, Pennsylvania, ran in memory of her husband, TJ.

“My husband and I were able to discuss this before he passed. He thought I was crazy wanting to participate in the Chicago Marathon, but I thought it would be such an incredible way to honor him and he agreed.”

Heather Hodge of Chicago, Illinois decided to run the Chicago Marathon when her sister, Stacy, secured a bib through the drawing. Stacy ran her first marathon that Sunday, while Heather ran her fifth marathon. Both wanted to run together in memory of their mom.

“In May 2019, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. She fought valiantly for 15 months. Until her diagnosis, we’d never heard of this disease, but now I know of at least three others who have lost friends and loved ones to the disease. I want to raise awareness and funding to help advance research and improve treatment options. That’s why I decided to run for TeamCCF in 2023.”

The TeamCCF Cheer Tent was set up at Mile 15. Family and friends stopped at the tent to cheer. Lia Cyr’s family came with signs. Lane Kelleher’s family made shirts with a photo of her dad holding a baby picture of Lane. Myria Kelly’s family came with her youngest participating via FaceTime.

Dave Fleischer, a TeamCCF and CCF volunteer, traveled from Maryland to support the 25 runners. “It was great being a part of the TeamCCF cheer squad. Charity Row was full of energetic supporters, encouraging all the runners! It was a great way to get my kicks on historic Route 66!!”

The 2023 Chicago Marathon showcased the power of community and dedication, with TeamCCF’s 25 runners making a meaningful contribution towards advancing research and support for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma. Their efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact in the lives of those dealing with this challenging disease.

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 13. Registration to join TeamCCF in the Chicago Marathon is now open. Visit teamccf.org or email meredith.mcguffage@cholangiocarcinoma.org for more information. TeamCCF will help you every step of the way to raise money and run Chicago.