Chicago Marathon
The Danny Did Foundation is proud to be an official partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the 15th straight year. Team Danny Did members participate in the marathon to raise funds and awareness for the Danny Did Foundation. We welcome runners from across the United States and the world to be a part of our team and to join us in advancing awareness of epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, or SUDEP. To join our team or if you have questions, please read through the details and deadlines below and email mduffy@dannydid.org.
Each year we have coveted charity race entries for the Chicago Marathon to distribute to those who run and fundraise for Team Danny Did which supports families facing epilepsy. See below for details on our Team Danny Did runner benefits.
FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT: Runners who receive a Team Danny Did charity entry are required to raise no less than $1,250 if the entry is claimed during the application window (October 17th to November 16th) and $1,750 if the entry is claimed following the application window (November 17, 2023 to May 31, 2024). Runners who have secured their own entry but would like to run for Team Danny Did are asked to set a fundraising goal of $1,000.
We Reward Your Effort With These TEAM DANNY DID BENEFITS:
- FREE race entry – a $243 value! (Your entrance fee will be reimbursed in November 2023 if you reach the fundraising goal.)
- FREE 18-week training program: A $200 value. Chose from the in person or the virtual option. Not in the Chicago area? Pick a program near you.
- A custom Team Danny Did race day tech shirt
- A custom online fundraising page
- Regular e-newsletters: featuring training and fundraising tips.
- Virtual meetings to meet your teammates and share stories and strategies and to learn more about Danny Did.
- Awards and incentives for the top fundraisers.
- A post race Team Danny Did party featuring complimentary food and beverages in a venue near the race finish line.
- Camaraderie, inspiration and encouragement: from your Team Danny teammates, from kids with epilepsy, and from the life of Danny Stanton
How To Apply For a Spot on Team Danny Did:
- Contact Danny Did at mduffy@dannydid.org.
- Review and return your signed Team Danny Did Commitment Letter.
- Apply for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon using the unique link we will provide.
- Create your personal online fundraising page.
- Recruit a friend to join Team Danny Did and receive a $100 fundraising credit!
QUESTIONS? If you have any questions, contact the Danny Did Foundation at mduffy@dannydid.org.
RACE DAY CHEER STATION: We invite everyone to cheer our runners on race day at the Danny Did cheer station, near course mile 14.5, located at the northwest corner of Adams and Green Streets, which is one block west of Halsted St near Chicago’s Greek Town neighborhood. Bring your signs and wear DDF gear!
COMPANY SPONSORSHIPS: If you’re interested to sponsor Team Danny Did in the second largest marathon in the world, please email tfstanton@dannydid.org. Over 1 million spectators gather to support runners at this event.
Runner Testimonials:
Relly Moorer, North Carolina:
“I enjoyed every step of my Team Danny Did experience, leading up to race day, during the marathon, and at the post party afterwards. Thanks for everything you do as an organization. I learned so much about epilepsy and the impact it has on kids and adults around the world. I will definitely be in touch the next time I’m in Chicago!”
Kelly Hamilton, Peoria, Illinois:
“Running a marathon is an accomplishment, but running with Team Danny Did makes that accomplishment more meaningful. Team Danny Did is an amazing partner before, during and after the marathon. Being part of this team means you are making a difference and impacting lives with every step you take!”
Ellen Brace, Chicago, Illinois:
“I’m not usually one quick to tear up, but I am as a sit here to write about my experience with Team Danny Did. The entire experience was incredible and inspiring. I trained with Team Danny Did in mind, and was constantly reminded about the children who were recipients of devices through Danny Did and my fellow teammates who had equally inspiring reasons for running and fundraising. I enjoyed every part of the experience – joining the team, training, hearing from the organization on emails and Facebook, having Team Danny Did ambassadors decorate the door to my house the night before the race, and all of the people who cheered for me in my Team Danny Did shirt as I completed 26.2. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and it made me feel supportive of a dear friend whose daughter has a serious seizure disorder, in the small way that I could support her and a non-profit that does so much for families with seizure disorders. Thank you for letting me be a member of the team. I will always hold this experience dear to my heart!”
Rachel Witty, Anchorage, Alaska:
“Danny Did and its mission pushed me to not let busy work and family schedules, lack of training, or fear of running slower than I used to get in the way of getting out there and being part of a great event and a greater cause. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I had a great time and both Colin and I look forward to running for Team Danny Did again.”
MaryKate Phelan, Oak Lawn, Illinois:
“Words cannot begin to describe the level of accomplishment (and soreness) that I feel today, and I have you and the rest of the Danny Did Foundation to thank for that. After my accident, 2.5 years ago, I was told there was a chance I may never walk again. I made every deal with God that I possibly could and promised myself I would never take my ability to walk granted if he’d just let surgery go smoothly. I wanted to keep that promise to myself and in doing so I was also able to give back to an amazing charity. So thank you, thank you, thank you! Despite the pain, I’m already looking forward to next year!”
Tim McDonald, Chicago, Illinois:
“I just wanted to say thanks for all that you do. It’s a lifelong dedication to Danny and I just think it’s amazing. He makes a difference every day in many lives. His spirit is still alive and always will be, and no one can take that away from you. The marathon and my running helps me to cope with epilepsy and beat the odds, and being a part of your team is an inspiration.”