On Oct. 13, roughly 45,000 runners took on the daunting challenge of running 26.2 miles. This year marked the 42nd Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Two of those 45,000 runners were our very own IVCC Eagles, Liza Buhr and Jaelyn Tipple.

“I wanted to run to prove to myself that I could run a marathon,” Buhr explained about her reason for running. “I have been running since I was 12 years old. I found a bucket list that I made in 8th grade this past January called ‘21 things I want to do before I’m 21’ and
running a marathon was on that list! So I thought oh man, I’m 19, I better hurry up and do that!

“Additionally, I wanted to run for a charity because that has always been something near and dear to my heart,” Buhr continued. “I ran for the American Cancer Society this year because I lost my grandma to cancer last June. I’ve lost several family friends to cancer. I wanted to run in memory of those who had changed and inspired me in so many positive ways.”

Tipple had a similar response when asked about her reason behind running the Chicago Marathon.

“I wanted to run to raise money for the American Cancer Society because my grandma, as well as other family members, have passed away from cancer, and I have also had teachers and friends that have been affected by cancer,” she shared.

The Chicago Marathon is an experience like no other. While running all the miles, the athletes are able to see and experience for themselves 29 of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Along the racecourse, the sidewalks are packed with spectators and supporters, cheering on the runners every step of the way.

Buhr and Tipple both enjoyed the atmosphere of the city.

“My favorite part of the marathon was the crowds in Chicago cheering me on throughout the entire city,” Buhr said. “It was incredible! I’ve never felt so supported and loved. The crowds were amazing and running with 45,000 people was crazy. It was such a neat experience and I’m glad I got to participate.” “My favorite part was the atmosphere, and running through all the different neighborhoods,” Tipple said. “You don’t truly realize how truly beautiful Chicago is just by visiting, [but] you see it when you’re running through all the different parts.”

These ladies didn’t just wake up on Oct. 13 and decide to run 26.2 miles. They trained for it. Marathon training takes months along with lots of dedication and perseverance.

What advice did these two have to say to future marathon runners?

“Enjoy the process!” Buhr said. “Trust your training and follow the plan. You’ll have good days and bad days. I finished a lot of runs crying, but I also finished a lot of runs feeling like a champ.

“Find yourself a running buddy and explore!” she recommended. “There’s so many beautiful places to run and see new things… soak it up! Have fun and don’t take it too seriously. Believe in who you are and remember you ARE strong enough to cross that finish line!”

“If you have trained when it comes to race day, trust your training!” Tipple said. “You can do it and you will do it. Just believe in yourself. I would also say that anyone can run a marathon no matter what.”