Ramblers on the run: Faculty, staff, and students running the Chicago Marathon

On October 11, more than 55,000 runners from around the world will take the starting line at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Among them are several Loyola University Chicago faculty, staff, and students, each running for their own reason: in memory of a grandfather, in support of a spouse, to fund brain cancer research, or simply to keep a promise they made to themselves freshman year. Meet the Ramblers who will be running Chicago this Sunday:  

Preston Reilly, director of the Center for Student Engagement  

Division of Student Development  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

Personal goal while also fundraising for the Danny Did Foundation, a Chicago-based non-profit that works to raise epilepsy awareness and prevent deaths related to seizures.  

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

My wife, who lives with epilepsy, has run the Chicago Marathon numerous times already, and will be running it with me this year.  

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Getting to push my limits in a new way each week. Training is full of lots of peaks and valleys, and it’s been a lot of fun navigating it so far.  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I was in a punk band a long time ago, so I’m definitely found some inspiration from music. We’re also using an app where friends can pre-record messages to us to play at various parts of the course.  

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

Portillos!  

Any words of wisdom for other runners?  

Run your race and don’t compare yourself to others. When you run your first marathon, you’re already setting a personal record!  

Becky Lindquist, (MS ’27) 

Quinlan School of Business  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

This is my second Chicago Marathon. Last year, an injury popped up right before race day and I ended up bonking on the course. This time, I’m focused on training smarter, especially with strength work, so I can hopefully race better!  

What Inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

My late dad: running is the ultimate heathy heart activity, and last year I ran for the American Heart Association in his memory. Also funny enough, running the mile in gym class used to be my least favorite activity all year. Then I taught myself how to run and now here I am, training for marathons!  

What has been your favorite part of training?  

It’s become my time in nature outside of work, school, and screen time. I love exploring different trails on foot.  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

Upbeat pop artists like Charli XCX and Adela. This year’s Lollapalooza lineup pretty much became my running playlist. 

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

Pizza and watching the Bears beat the Packers—it’s motivation to finish before kickoff!  

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

Slow down when you need to, and take it one mile at a time. Trust your training: by race day, the hay’s in the barn. And don’t skip strength training! It’s what keeps you injury-free.  

Zaccari Starkman, (BS ’27) 

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

I’m running to support Lurie Children’s Hospital. As an employee there and aspiring doctor, I’m passionate about helping provide care for the kids however I can, including fundraising. I’m specifically interested in patient quality of life and independence via Rehabilitative Medicine (PM&R), so I feel motivated to run for those who cannot. It also is a personal goal for me, and running helps me slow down and be present in the moment.  

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

Shoutout to my friend Carlos who ran the Chicago Marathon in 2024 and helped me rediscover my passion for running. Also, through working in rehabilitation at clinics and hospitals, I see the hard work patients put in everyday to reach their goals. I have the privilege of being part of their care, seeing some miracles, and supporting their journey. They are my biggest inspiration.  

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Support from family and friends, running to Navy Pier along the Lakeshore, and finding some peace on long runs.  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I listen to my own steps, breathing, or sounds around me. I find it helps me focus and relax. 

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

Probably cheeseburgers with my family and a nice shower.  

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

This quote from ultra runner Ann Trason has stuck with me: “There’s something very romantic when you’re running 100 miles in the Sierra. And you have to know a lot about yourself. You have to be in tune with your body and know when you can push it and when to back off.”  

Theresa Burkhart, assistant professor of healthcare administration 

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

I’m on a quest to be the first Loyola professor to run a marathon in all 50 states! I’m currently at 33 states, but I keep repeating my favorite: Chicago.  

This will be my 10th Chicago Marathon. There is nothing like the energy that takes over the city. The neighborhoods, spectators, volunteers, and thousands of runners come together for this incredible celebration, and I love being part of it. Eventually, I may need to stop repeating states if I’m going to make it to all 50—but not yet!  

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

My first marathon was Chicago. I ran it with my sister and our spouses after a few of us had experienced some health scares. Those experiences made me appreciate my health, what a gift it is, and one that not everyone has. I ran for charity during my first few years and met so many inspirational people who supported me and helped me make it both to the start line and the finish line.  

I’ve also had the chance to give some of that support back, volunteering as a training group leader, helping other runners prepare for their own marathons. It’s so rewarding to watch someone work toward their goal, something they thought was impossible, and then seem them cross that finish line.  

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Definitely the people. I love meeting new runners in my training group and reconnecting with people I’ve trained with over the years. The running community is incredibly supportive and inspirational.  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

Most of my training runs are with a group, so my favorite “playlist” is actually conversation! We talk about everything—family, restaurants, upcoming races, running advice, injuries, and whatever else gets us through the miles. The time goes so much faster. During the Chicago Marathon, I bring music and leave it off for most of the race so I can hear the spectators. They are the best! I save my music for those later miles when I need to focus and dig a little deeper.  

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

A nap and a burger!  

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

The advice that has stayed with me most is “run your own race.” It applies to life, too. Don’t get caught up in someone else’s pace, goals, or expectations. As a professor, I share this advice and other running-themed advice with my students, too: run the mile you’re in, ask for help along the way, finish strong, and reflect on how far you’ve come.  

Erin Pilcher (BA ’27) 

College of Arts and Sciences  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

I am running for 2 reasons. When I moved across the States for my first year of college at Loyola, I made myself a promise: run the Chicago marathon before you graduate. I am now a senior, graduating in December, and this year is my last chance. I want to prove something to myself that I am still strong and capable despite everything that has happened over these last three years. But my main reason for running is my grandfather, who passed away from cancer in January of 2021. Because of this, I am running with the American Cancer Society and Team Determination, who raise money in support of cancer research, those who have cancer, and their families. My grandfather was a massive runner and loved his marathons so I am running this knowing he is watching me from above, pushing me towards the finish line. 

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

It was me, myself, and I who encouraged myself to finally sign up for the marathon this year. I actually didn’t tell anyone I had signed up to run with Team Determination. And of course, I couldn’t be a wimp and chicken out of the deal I made myself three years ago. 

What has been your favorite part of training?  

My favorite part of training are the little rewards I give myself after my long runs. I’ll treat myself to custard from Lickety Split or some sushi from Yatai. Additionally, I feel so good about myself and my progress afterwards; that runners high is no joke! 

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I have been carefully curating a marathon playlist that I am only allowed to play on the day of the marathon. Until then, I have been using Spotify playlists and other peoples’ playlists to get me through my runs. A few artists on repeat are Florence + the Machine and Kings of Leon.  

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

Celebrating with my friends and family, since my parents, brother, and grandparents are all flying into the city to watch. I also bought myself a cheeky beer ticket for the end which is definitely going to serve as a little bit of motivation. 

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

I think the best words of wisdom I’ve gotten were from my grandpa before he passed, “getting up and getting out the door is the hardest part.” Something I’ve learned along the way that I think is so important for all runners is to not worry about your pace, or what you like while running, or if you walk some of the way. Be proud of yourself for getting up and getting out the door. 

Ronan Flanagan (BS ’28) 

College of Arts and Sciences  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

For my third marathon, I have the honor and privilege of running for BrainUp, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma. As a neuroscience student and aspiring physician, my passion for research and medicine aligns well with the mission of BrainUp. In 2024, BrainUp generously granted $150,000 to Loyola University Chicago’s Dr. Derek Wainwright for his faculty-led research in Glioblastoma. Research-interested students like myself and patients benefit greatly from the funding BrainUp is able to provide in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Each mile I run in preparation for October 11 is for all of the students and families affected by brain cancer, and I could not be prouder to represent such an incredible organization in my ongoing fundraising efforts. 

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

As the youngest of seven children in my family, my siblings are my lodestars. All my life, I’ve admired my siblings’ hard work and dedication. I owe it all to my eldest sister, Clare, who was the first in my family to run a marathon.  

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Exploring new Chicago neighborhoods on my long runs!  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I’m rarely not listening to music, especially when I’m running. Some recent favorites have been Tinashe, Slayyyter, Azealia Banks, Robyn, Death Grips, Charli XCX, ScHoolboy Q, and Adela.  

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

I can’t wait to celebrate with my friends and gluten-free pizza after crossing the finish line!  

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

My biggest piece of advice for anyone taking on this challenge is to know your “why.” I’m of the firm belief that motivation and eagerness alone will carry you through your hardest, longest, most tiring runs. Staying mindful, giving yourself grace, and reminding yourself what this is all for goes a long way in marathon training.  

Lily Grills (MD ’28) 

Stritch School of Medicine 

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

I am running the Chicago Marathon this year to challenge myself while raising money for Housing Forward, an organization I’ve had the opportunity to work with during medical school. It felt very meaningful to combine a personal goal with a cause that I care deeply about. 

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

I’ve been thinking about running a marathon for a long time; once I found out that Housing Forward had a fundraising team, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Knowing that I was running for an organization that meant so much to me gave me the kick I needed to start training and take on fundraising. 

What has been your favorite part of training?  

My favorite part of training has been becoming a part of a community that is so supportive and joyful—there’s something really fun about seeing a stranger running the opposite direction and knowing you are both working toward something together! 

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I listen to podcasts, music, and audiobooks, depending on how I am feeling. If I need to stay calm on a long run, I will turn on a book, but if I need to get hyped up will put on some music. Lately, have been listening to Charli XCX’s Music, Fashion, Film on repeat. 

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

Looking forward to spending time and sharing a meal and some beers with my friends and family who will be in town. 

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

The wisdom that I would pass on to other runners is to enjoy any race that you might be running! It’s incredible to think about the thousands of runners working alongside you, and it is invigorating to see the spectators bringing the energy to cheer people on. Soak it all in. 

Brian Shoup, lecturer of accounting and business law  

Quinlan School of Business  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

This will be my 10th Chicago Marathon. The first time I ran the race was in 2004. While I have continued running regularly over the years, I stopped racing a few years ago. Then in 2025, I started with a group—including a colleague from Loyola, who is a pace leader in my running club—and last year I set a significant personal best time in the Chicago Marathon. While I don’t expect to beat last year’s time, I’m really enjoying training with my running group. It’s fun, social, and helps me stay in shape. 

What inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

My original motivation in 2004 was to lose weight and get in shape. I came to really enjoy the personal challenge of distance running. And now, my primary motivation is the group I run with! 

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Our Saturday group runs, rain or shine, hot or cold, people of all ages and from all walks of life. 

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I used to do podcasts, but now I run with my just my thoughts (for better or worse!) and talk to the runners in my group on Saturday runs. 

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

With a beer!  

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

Run your own race. While you can and should learn from others, you ultimately have to determine your own pace and goals. And if you want to run a marathon, start out by running three miles or so. If you can run three, you can run four, then go for five miles. Rinse and repeat and you’ll eventually get there! 

Anthony Travlos (MD ’29) 

Stritch School of Medicine  

Why are you running the Chicago Marathon?  

I am running to support the Danny Did Foundation, an organization founded in Chicago to support children and families battling epilepsy. Danny passed away from Sudden and Unexpected Death In Epilepsy at the age of 4. Danny’s older brother and I were friends growing up, so this is a charity I have a personal connection to. On a personal level, I used to hate running, then a former supervisor of mine encouraged me to try it out. Now, three years later, I love it. For me personally, running a marathon was to prove to myself that if I could go from hating running to running a marathon, I could do anything. 

What Inspired you to sign up for the marathon? 

I am running the marathon with 2 classmates from Stritch, John Hlavin (MD ’29) and Henry Neri (MD ’29). It was John’s original idea, and Henry and I immediately agreed. 

What has been your favorite part of training?  

Running with friends at the lake!  

What do you listen to on your runs?  

I switch between podcasts and music, but I think my plan is to listen to music on race day. I listen to mostly EDM and 2000s hits. 

How are you going to celebrate post-marathon?  

With family and friends! First at the Danny Did Foundation post-race party and then watching the Bears vs. Packers game. 

Any words of wisdom for other runners? 

The best advice I received was to never forget to have fun while running. Once running/training stops being fun, then what’s the point. Mix up running routes, run with friends, maybe even dance a little bit while running.