The Chicago Marathon is not just a 26.2-mile course; it’s an experience. Running alongside over 50,000 competitors, passing through noisy cheer zones bustling with fan activity, and the honor of having a bib or perhaps a medal placed on you is irreplaceable, as some might say. However, one American runner has opted to forgo this experience in favor of a personalized version of the marathon—by running around his block 79 times.

Matt Brusich is an IT specialist from Lincoln Park, who’ll run a marathon this weekend. Only not on the streets of Chicago, but instead on his own block; starting from his front door, not the Grant Park. In an event that is now sanctioned by U.S. Track and Field, Brusich will complete 79 rounds from Cleveland to Armitage in an attempt to raise money for the Lincoln Park Community Services, as well as the homeless in his neighborhood.

“It’s something really silly and stupid,” he remarks. But admittedly, he says, “I’m silly and stupid, so it fits.” Well, beyond contributing to a worthy cause, Brusich also wished to do something that drew attention this time. But is he prepared for what he has chosen? Well, the runner is not a stranger to marathon running, having competed in the 2012 Chicago Marathon. But, he gradually started relishing it more from his front porch, which is why he came up with his own”homegrown marathon,” per Block Club Chicago.

If you think this is silly? Wait till you hear more. The techie decided to craft a special website for his marathon, which allows people to pledge donations to ‘buckets’ related to particular laps. Say, if a certain amount of money comes in a lap 51, he’ll run that clad in a banana costume. Other versions include running the 21st lap backward, the 31st while carrying a piggyback partner, or the 41st with his furry friend. Fred.

Amidst all this, what is more shocking is that although Brusich has been practicing all summer, he has been walking it down. Usually with his dog, he has completed over 300 miles, but not once has he run the entire course a single time. Well, this surely rings the warning bell!

However, his grandiose step has made him a hometown favorite. From the neighborhood restaurant owner at DeNucci naming a pizza after him to local sponsors like Chicago Lakefront Ultras and Orbiter throwing their support behind him, Matt Brusich’s run is surely a sight that many will turn out to watch. On the other hand, the main Chicago Marathon will feature a few noteworthy stars too.

Arts educator to run the star-studded Chicago Marathon 2024

On October 13, among professional runners and social cause volunteers, several celebrities will also be stomping down the streets for the Chicago Marathon. One of them is Patina Miller, the Hunger Games star, as well as Claire Holt. Along with them, the Miss USA 2024 winner, Alma Cooper would also be present.

However, there are many running for a social cause. Among them is Cesar Torruella, the arts executive director at the Chicago Public Schools. After shedding around 300 lbs, Torruella is now ready to chart the 42+ km course, which would be the ultimate challenge for him. But it should not be an impossible battle for he has been running for about 2 years now.

However, his motive for running the 2024 Chicago Marathon is different. Torruella had been targeted by many all his childhood, especially in school because of his weight and his s—– orientation. This is why he inclined more towards teaching while he was already a professional opera singer. However, health risks pushed him to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy as well as bring about changes in his life.

While he witnessed the Chicago Marathon from a distance last year, this time he wished to be a part of it. Hoping to honor his new life and his students. Thus, as part of Team TCS Teachers, he will be one of the 1000 educators who will be running this marathon on Sunday. What do you think of his attempt? As well as Matt Brusich’s. Do you think they’d set a new benchmark this time? Let us know below who you’ll be supporting and how.