What started as a simple goal to run a 5K turned into a journey that led us to our first marathon and the chance to run for something bigger than ourselves.
In 2025, I started running because I needed a way to clear my head and step away from my computer and phone. John and I both have high stress jobs, and running quickly became our way to manage stress and spend time together.
The funny thing is I used to hate cardio and was never very consistent with working out. But after finishing my first 5K race, I completely fell in love with running and the way I felt after a long run.
March marks our one year running anniversary, and to celebrate we decided to take on our biggest challenge yet and run the 2026 Chicago Marathon, our first marathon.
We knew we wanted our first marathon to mean more than just crossing the finish line. We wanted every mile to represent something meaningful. After learning about the organizations involved with the race, Special Children's Charities immediately stood out to us.
Why we're running for #TeamSCC
Since 1969, Special Children's Charities has been creating opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicago. Their mission is rooted in inclusion, empowerment, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to participate, grow, and experience joy within their communities.
The spirit of accomplishment, inclusion, and celebration that people experience during a marathon is the same spirit that Special Children's Charities works to provide for thousands of participants across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.
Every child deserves a place where they feel included and able to participate in activities many of us take for granted. They deserve a voice, opportunities, and the chance to experience life fully.
That is why every mile we run will be for them. :)
From Paulyn: To make this journey even more meaningful, I am setting a small challenge for myself. For every $100 raised, I will run 1 kilometer, and if you donate $100 that kilometer will be dedicated to you.
You can follow along with my training and see which runs are dedicated to supporters on my Strava
Donation by Check
Mail to:
Special Children's Charities
2 E. 8th St., Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605
Company Matches
If your company offers donation matching, please include
“2026 Chicago Marathon: Team Miles for Smiles (Paulyn Oh & John Oh)”
in the memo so the match can be applied to our fundraising page.
Again, thank you for supporting our journey and the thousands of participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago!