Often, a single goal is enough to inspire people to run the 26.2-mile-long Chicago Marathon. But, this coming weekend, Lauren Pendergrass finds herself running with two aims in mind— she wants to give her late brother, Grant DeHoogh, a tribute as well as contribute her bit towards spreading awareness on mental health.

Pendergrass lost her 26-year-old brother DeHoogh to dr-g overdose in 2021, and it’s safe to say, life hasn’t been the same since. Thus, “It’s just really meaningful to me,” she told the Chicago Suntimes. It’ll serve multiple goals— honoring him (DeHoogh was a fitness junkie), destigmatizing the mental health talk, and concretizing her love for running, as it has helped her sail through significant lows in life.

Pendergrass will be participating in the Chicago Marathon as a charity runner, representing Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization that helps teenagers navigate anxiety and depression. To secure her spot, she needed to raise $1,500—a goal she reached by selling orange bracelets, her sister DeHoogh’s favorite color, in a heartfelt effort to support the cause.

But today, she realizes just how grave the problem could be. She knows how her brother made everything look perfect on the outside, where he seemed a “high-functioning” adult who was studying pharmacy. But on the inside, there was a hollow no one knew of. Thus, with her effort to run the Chicago Marathon, she thinks, ‘‘I just hope that other people are able to reach out and ask for help when they need it and that kids in high schools can feel like they’re supported and that they just have places to turn if they need help.’’

Pendergrass is channeling her determination into running, finding solace in the memories of her brother DeHoogh. Despite being a busy mother of four, she makes time for her workouts, feeling connected to him with every step she takes. Her participation in the Chicago Marathon is not just about completing the race; it’s about honoring her brother’s memory and helping others through Erika’s Lighthouse.

But Pendergrass is hardly the only one. Many philanthropists, family members, and others run the marathon for various social reasons. Here are a few such runners.

Charity and personal goals go hand in hand at the Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon 2024 is a significant one for 26-year-old, Brandan O’Brien. Much like Lauren, Brandan has also decided to chart the course for mental health awareness. His father took his own life in 2020 after he battled depression during the pandemic phase. Thus, this run will be Brandan’s way to “remember his father’s legacy and to promote s–cide prevention.”

On a personal level too, Brandan believes running has played a crucial role in helping him to deal with the loss and “look inward.” And when he steps on the streets for the American Foundation For S—— Prevention on Sunday, he’ll look to accomplish what he put his mind to.

On the other hand, there is also Matt Brusich who although is running for a noble cause, has given a makeover to the mainstream Chicago Marathon version. You wonder how? Well, this IT specialist has been permitted by the U.S. Track and Field to complete 79 rounds of his own block, in an attempt to garner funds for the Lincoln Park Community Services. “It’s something really silly and stupid,” he confesses but has nonetheless slated a challenge for himself in every 10 laps. Here are the details. Let us know what you think of all these running the marathon this Sunday.