My name is Judah Payeur, and this October I'll be running the Chicago Marathon — my first marathon ever — in support of Special Children's Charities.

My connection to this cause runs deep. In high school, I was heavily involved in Unified Sports, a program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete side by side. The friendships I built and the moments I witnessed left a lasting impact on me — the joy, the determination, and the sense of belonging that Unified creates is something I've carried with me ever since. 

When I set the goal of running my first marathon — and eventually all World Marathon Majors — I knew I wanted that first one to mean something beyond a finish line. Running for a charity I genuinely care about was non-negotiable, and Special Children's Charities was at the top of my list.

Since 1969, SCC has been the driving force behind inclusion and empowerment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. The spirit of accomplishment, inclusion, and joy they bring to thousands of participants is the same spirit I experienced through Unified — and the same spirit I'll be carrying with me through all 26.2 miles on race day.

I'm beyond grateful for the chance to run for a cause this meaningful. Every dollar you contribute helps create a more inclusive Chicago — one mile at a time. Thank you for being part of this with me.

If you wish to make a donation via check, please send to the address below and they will credit the donation to my fundraising page. Please make sure to include my name (or the person you would like to support) in the memo section.

Please make all checks payable to Special Children's Charities.

Mail to: 
Special Children's Charities 
2 E. 8th St., Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605

Again, thank you for supporting the thousands of participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago!