Hi everyone! My name is Michael Murray and I am running (run/walking?) in this year's Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026. I've always sworn off running as "not for me" and said I would never run a marathon. However, in August 2025 I was hit by a car while riding my bike home from work. It took some time to physically recover and even more so, took a lot of the joy out of bike riding for me. As a result, I turned to jogging as a way to still get some cardio when biking wasn't an option yet. I enjoyed the physical and mental challenge it brought and started to see it as a way to prove I could come back from this accident stronger. It's thanks to the love and support of my partner and family that I am healthy again and feel more inspired than ever to take on this challenge. I also have Special Children's Charities to thank for giving me the opportunity to represent their team in the Chicago Marathon and raise money on their behalf. For nearly 60 years, SCC has invested in experiences for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through their hard work and funding, every person in Chicago has the opportunity for community engagement through the arts, athletics, education, and enrichment. I encourage you to follow this link to their website and read more below about the amazing work they do: https://specialchildrenscharities.org/about-us/. Thank you for the continued support from now until October as I run my first marathon and for standing behind a great organization like Special Children's Charities with me.