For four years now, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) has been proud to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Our Girl Scout Go-Getters, a team of 25 volunteers (19 of which completed the marathon), were ready to grab their running shoes and fundraise on behalf of our Girl Scouts, and this year they were able to raise over $24,000 for our council! Congratulations to them and thank you for your hard work and dedication to powering amazing experiences for Girl Scouts!
For some of the Go-Getters, like Natalie Stopka and Elise Gluck, the best part about running the marathon was “running the real thing” and “finishing,” while others like Joy Kogut, Rachael Ross, and John Chase enjoyed running with friends and family and enjoying the city. Dan Pietroburgo set a personal best and finished in the top 200!
Others thrived off of the “sense of accomplishment” and “encouragement from the crowds” along the way, and Wendy Cartier enjoyed “getting to meet other runners, especially the veterans. I was able to chat with a man who was doing his 30th Chicago marathon who was able to offer up some words of encouragement at the start line.”
For Autumn Oley, “the best part was definitely the cheering. I could not tell you how many times my mood and mindset was restored when I heard so many people cheering for the Girl Scouts. So many girls and parents were cheering for the Girl Scouts, calling me sister, yelling me their troop numbers. It was what I needed to remind me why I was running the marathon.”
Elise was motivated by her Girl Scout history: “I was a Girl Scout for 12 years. I am so thankful for the opportunities that being a Girl Scout gave me and I was excited to help other girls have those same opportunities!” And Michael M. Spagnolo ran for his daughter, a Girl Scout herself. The same for runner John Chase: “Girl Scouts has had a profound and lasting positive effect on my daughters’ development, helping them to become the strong, confident women they are today.”
“The Girl Scouts had always been a huge part of my life and when provided an opportunity to support it so they can make a similar impact on others, I couldn’t pass it up,” shared Michele Strouth. “I was a Girl Scout Daisy through senior year of high school. I am still best friends with some of my troop mates and loved being a part of the organization. When I saw GCNWI was an option for fundraising, it was an easy choice.”
Become a Girl Scout Go-Getter!
This is our fifth year hosting a team and we are excited to be growing each year. Don’t wait to apply! Space is limited.
The Chicago Marathon is one of six Abbott World Marathon Majors, and an experience of a lifetime! Each year, runners from 50 states and more than 100 countries run through 27 Chicago neighborhoods on a flat and fast course that starts and finishes in Grant Park.
Apply to run the 2022 Chicago Marathon with us »
After you apply, there will be a phone interview before you are approved and on the team. Applications will close on March 30, 2022 or when the team is filled.
Fundraising Minimum is $1,250 prior to the lottery on December 9 and $1,750 from December 9 to March 31.
When you run with the Girl Scout Go-Getters, you will receive:
- Guaranteed entry into the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
- Free virtual and in-person training options with Chicago Endurance Sports
- Official Girl Scout Go-Getters team running shirt and running belt
- Customizable fundraising page to help reach and surpass your goal
- Access to all team events (kick-off meeting, pasta party, and other events decided by team)
- Free access to Race Day Resort on race day (located next to start line with food, drinks, indoor restrooms)
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Holly Johnson at hjohnson@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.