30 Day Countdown: Runners 1 - 10
Runner 10: Tim Radcliff
Runner 9: Joyce Brooks
Runner 8: Felix Limo
Runner 7 Amy Palmiero-Winters
Runner 6: Linda Somers Smith
Runner 5: David Willey
Runner 4: Jeff Langton
Runner 3: Angie Chaplin
Runner 2: Michael McRoyal
Runner 1: Jo Dee Messina
September 16, 2007
RUNNER 10: TIM RADCLIFF
Age: 41
Occupation: Institutional: Investment Sales
Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois
Previous Marathons: Debut
Runner Story: Tim Radcliffe will compete in his first marathon this year in Chicago. His inspiration comes from his desire to match his siblings’ performance in the race. His older brother, Jim, ran in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2003. Being a Chicagoan, Tim wanted to support his brother with all of his ability during the race. He followed Jim during the race on his bicycle and hoped to film as much of Jim’s performance as possible. Throughout the race, Tim would catch up and fall behind, always trying to catch a glimpse of his big brother through the sea of runners. Tim recalls filming him around mile 20, watching him disappear over a slight incline and wave an energetic two fingers in the air. The peace sign had always meant something special to both brothers and Tim realized Jim must have seen him filming from the sidelines. He would later learn that when Jim saw him, he was inspired to push through the end of the race at a time when he was considering walking the remainder. Jim charged across the finish line with a time of 4:15.
A few years later the Radcliffe family was shaken with a life-threatening scare from their little sister, Jennifer. Unbeknownst to her, she suffered an ectopic pregnancy causing her fallopian tube to burst. She collapsed in her home and lost more than half of her blood from internal bleeding. Rescued by her 4 year old son’s call to a neighbor, Jennifer was fortunate that her heart never stopped beating. She had been a track athlete in school and had kept up with her physical fitness. Running saved her life. After an emotional recovery, Tim insisted that she compete in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He knew it would help get her life back together and he was prepared to support her all the way.
Tim was Jennifer’s personal assistant throughout the race. He shuttled her around the city, making sure she was in the right places at the right times before the race. He prepared a map with checkpoints promising to meet her along the way, just as he had done for his brother. Armed with his video camera and a backpack loaded with food, water, and Gatorade, Tim was with her through the end of the race. She finished her first marathon with a time of 3:24; despite a brief pause to hug her husband and kids on sidelines in the middle of the race!
One might question why a man would challenge his siblings to compete in a marathon without enduring the trials himself. Tim was not out of shape or lazy. In fact, he had been an active cyclist for many years. His absence from running was due to the surgical screw placed in his ankle following a severely broken foot. Yet after watching his brother and sister successfully complete The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, Tim has been inspired to train and compete in this year’s race. He looks forward to seeing his family in the crowd as he strives to finish the race.
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September 15, 2007
RUNNER 9: JOYCE BROOKS
Age: 60
Occupation: Retired educator
Hometown: Lake Village, Arkansas
Previous Marathons: 9 (in 9 different states)
Runner Story: Joyce Brooks is a retired educator with two goals in mind for her golden years: to travel and stay healthy. In an effort to complete both at the same time she is planning to participate in marathons in all 50 states, plus one in Washington, D.C. She has always enjoyed meeting people in new places and learning about their local history and personal stories. By participating in marathons she is able to take in the scenery as well as meet competitors and learn about what brought them to the race.
Throughout her life, Joyce has always been aware of the importance of staying healthy. She combines a careful diet with exercise from training to create a healthy lifestyle. As a walker she finds that preparing for the races is fairly time consuming. At a slower pace than the runners, she must dedicate extra time in order to cover the same distance. As does any marathoner, she surrenders her free time to train – always looking to quicken the pace without sacrificing endurance. She proudly boasts that her drive to compete in 51 marathons has kept her in shape and feeling good both mentally and physically.
This year’s LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will not be Joyce’s first race. She is most proud of her performance in Memphis where she finished with a time of 6:23:00; her best yet. She is looking forward to improving her time and having her sister, daughter, and niece by her side. She is eager to have familiar company around her and is excited to introduce her family to something she has grown to enjoy.
As an educator, her concern for the welfare of others has motivated her to give to her community. For this reason, Joyce selects a new charity each year to support in her races. She typically prefers organizations that support children in their health, education, and general well-being. This year she will be supporting the Lakeside School PTA, which in turn funds educational programs for children in her hometown of Lake Village, Arkansas. With her goals set clearly in front of her, she views the Marathon as a source of fun and fulfillment.
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September 14, 2007
RUNNER 8: FELIX LIMO
Age: 27
Occupation: Marathon runner
Country: Kenya
Marathons: 4 (2004 Rotterdam, 2004 real,- Berlin, The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago, 2006 Flora London)
Runner Story: Felix Limo is well-known in the running world for his early start to success and his countless victories. Felix’s running career debuted in 2000, just three days after his 20th birthday, at the Van Damme 10,000m. He finished second, stunning the world with a time less than one second behind his fellow countryman and current marathon world record holder, Paul Tergat. In 2001, he slipped past Haile Gebrselassie to take first place and set a new world record for the 15K (41:29).
Felix was quickly racking up a list of world records and filling shelves with first-place trophies in 10K and 15K races around the world. He had become the runner to beat and was in need of a bigger challenge. He appeared in his first full marathon at Amsterdam in 2003. Even with so much success behind him, spectators were thrilled and impressed to watch Felix turn in a time of 2:06:42; marking the second best time for a debut marathoner. For Felix, second best wasn’t good enough. He needed to be number one and wouldn’t rest until he could claim a first-place title in a major marathon. In 2004 at the real,– Berlin Marathon, Felix fought his way through poor weather to earn his rightful place in the winner’s circle.
Determined to make his mark in marathon running, he further established himself by dipping below 2:07 to set a personal record (2:06:14) and take first place in Rotterdam in 2004. He then set his sights on The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. With a wealth of drive and talent, he tore down the city streets and took first place in 2:07:02. The following spring, he took on the Flora London Marathon to establish back-to-back championships and a share in the lead for the inaugural World Marathon Majors series.
Felix was competing and winning marathons around the world. He was deeply disappointed when a lower back injury forced him to withdraw from The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and miss out on the chance to defend his 2005 title. After dominating long distance races for nearly seven years, Felix is returning to Chicago with one goal - to regain the title of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon champion.
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September 13, 2007
RUNNER 7: AMY PALMIERO-WINTERS
Age: 35
Occupation: Welder
Hometown: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Marathons: Cleveland, Boston, LaSalle Bank Chicago, Lake Placid
Runner Story: Amy Palmiero-Winters has the ability to make great athletes appear mediocre. In high school she was an outstanding competitor in swimming and track. She was faced with a major obstacle in 1994 when she was injured in a brutal motorcycle accident. Along with the scrapes and bruises, her left foot was fatally damaged in the ordeal. After three years and 25 surgeries, her physicians concluded that her leg below the knee would need to be amputated. She would struggle to get her life back in order, learning to walk with a prosthetic leg.
Three years passed as Amy learned how to maneuver with her prosthetic leg. It was designed for walking as she was never expected to be able to run well enough to need anything more. A lifelong athlete, Amy was not about to let this road block prevent her from running. In 2005 with her walking prosthetic, a five- month pregnancy, and the odds against her, Amy entered the Silver Strand Marathon in California. She surprisingly finished second in her division. With this enormous accomplishment under her belt, she was motivated to increase the level of physical difficulty and enter a triathlon in New York City. This time she took third place in her division with her walking prosthetic and a bike on loan from her boss.
Her ability to compete in exceptionally challenging races drove her to the next level. If she wanted to improve her success she needed to find better tools. She researched her options and decided that Erik Schaffer offered the best opportunity as president of A Step Ahead Prosthetics & Orthotics in Long Island, N.Y. A Step Ahead is known for working with athletes to develop training and equipment to accompany their wishes to compete in sports. She worked with their physical therapists and prosthetists to prepare for her next race. Securing a prosthetic designed for running was the first step in the right direction.
In 2006, Amy entered The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon with two barely healed, broken toes and a two-day old discharge from the hospital where she had been admitted for anaphylactic shock. She finished in 3:04:16; setting a new world record for a female below-the-knee amputee. Her new personal record shaved 12 minutes off her previous time - certainly a remarkable accomplishment for any athlete, but it becomes an outstanding conquest considering her previous time was set at the Boston Marathon prior to the amputation!
Amy can also add her ability to competitively race against able-bodied opponents to her resume. She has placed 1st overall in two 5K and one 10K races. Her phenomenal performances earned her a nomination for the 2007 ESPY Awards for best female athlete with a disability. This October, Amy will return to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon with an even loftier goal. She is striving not only to post a new personal best by lowering her finish time below three hours, but to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials, a feat many able-bodied athletes only dream of achieving.
Website: www.seeamyrun.com
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September 12, 2007.jpg "Linda Somers Smith")
RUNNER 6: LINDA SOMERS SMITH
Age: 46
Occupation: Olympian and Lawyer
Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA (born at Bitburg AFB, Germany)
Previous Marathons: 20-25
Runner Story: Linda Somers Smith began running long distance as a method of keeping in shape for the tennis season while earning her degree at the University of California - Davis. She thought jogging could help her pass the time when rain prevented play on outdoor tennis courts. As a junior, she was encouraged to try out for the cross country team and knocked out a 34:36.30 in the 10,000m. Linda found herself competing in a new sport and was on her way to achieving an impressive file as a runner.
Life happened for Linda as it so often does. In 1986, she earned her Juris Doctor and began practicing general business and real estate law. In 1997, she married Scott Smith and just one year later she adopted Monica, her then 13 year old niece. Meanwhile, she continued to train and compete in various races both nationally and abroad. She finished notably in the top 15 of more than 10 marathons. Her achievements include winning The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (1992), the Long Beach Marathon (1993) and the California International (1993). Linda rocketed to her personal best in 1996 at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:30:06 finish. She followed it up by finishing 31st (2:36:58) at the ’96 Olympics in Atlanta; despite an excruciating tear in her Achilles tendon during the race.
Considering her prior success, Linda was surprisingly disappointed in her performance at the 2003 Boston Marathon. Though her training was interrupted by a rib injury and an unexpected trip to Detroit for a funeral, she still felt she could meet her goal of finishing in under 2:35:00. However, the antibiotics could not suppress the sinus infection she was suffering and she knew early on that she would not reach her desired time. Nonetheless, her determination pushed her to cross the finish line and place third in the Master’s division.
Her experience in marathons earned her an invitation to join Mike Adamle in broadcasting The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on WCSR-AM, Sportsradio 670. It was then that she was lured back again by the thrill of the Marathon.
At 46, Linda has decided to return to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in an effort to do something no woman has done before – qualify for her sixth U.S. Olympic Trials. She never strayed from her work as a lawyer, her obligations to her family, or yielded to the pains of training. Since her first race in college, she has succeeded and celebrated the rewards of running. This year she returns to the streets of Chicago as a former champion, the managing partner of the law firm, Duggan Smith LLP, and as a Master’s runner once again.
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September 11, 2007
RUNNER 5: DAVID WILLEY
Age: 39
Occupation: Editor-in-Chief, Runner’s World
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Previous Marathons: 3 - ING New York City Marathon (twice) and the 2007 AT&T Austin Marathon (PR 3:24:59)
Runner Story: While training for his first marathon, former Chicago resident, David Willey, attended the infamous 1990 Chicago Marathon where Martin Pitayo beat Antoni Niemezak by 0.3 seconds. The excitement of this memorable finish and the joy, agony, exhaustion and triumph expressed by the other runners crossing the finish line hooked David on marathons. He has returned to watch Chicago on several occasions and has crossed the finish line of three other marathons, but this year David will make his Chicago debut in the 30th anniversary race.
In conjunction with the race, David will continue the “Run With David” fundraising program he launched in February, which supports cancer-related charities by inviting other runners to make pledges and to “race” David in Chicago. David will be joined in his fundraising efforts by two breast cancer survivors featured in the October issue: Lacey Sikora (Oak Park, Ill.), who was diagnosed when she was 10 weeks pregnant and Cathy Canavan (Chicago, Ill.) who ran her way through eight months of treatment will run her eighth LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this October.
Peter Sagal, host NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me” and featured in Runner’s World’s May issue, also will be taking part in the “Run with David” program to raise money for the Healthy Schools Campaign. David, Lacey, Cathy and Peter will be carrying Runner’s World Run Tracker Phones during the Marathon, to track their progress on-line and in real time at www.runnersworld.com/runwithdavid.
Website: www.runnersworld.com/runwithdavid
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September 10, 2007
RUNNER 4: JEFF LANGTON
Photo: Jeff and his family in 2006. (Jeff and his wife, Donna, appear in the first row, third and fourth from the left).
Age: 53
Occupation: Residential Builder
Hometown: South Rockwood, Michigan
Previous Marathons: 5
Runner Story: Jeff Langton is best known in his hometown for his contagious smile and his willingness to offer a helping hand. When his father passed away a few years ago, he was overwhelmed with family and friends who wanted to help him through this difficult time. The gift he found most useful was their promises to pray for him and his family. Jeff felt a need to give back to those who helped him get back to his life by dedicating his workout time to them. He comically refers to it as his “R and R” time; the letters standing for running and rosary.
Whenever he went for a run, he prayed for those who might be suffering from illness, loss, or financial strain. A wonderful side-effect came with it – he was improving his health and gaining physical strength. His family was proud of Jeff’s dedication and it wasn’t long before his nephew, Mike Dobberstein, challenged him to a race. While most nephews might have a sprint to the end of the block in mind, Mike was thinking bigger, tougher, and more demanding. He wanted to train and compete in the 2005 Milwaukee Marathon. Jeff accepted and they both managed to finish the race in less than four hours.
They had barely finished the race when Jeff’s nephew upped the ante and suggested they try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. They set out to run the 2006 Cleveland Marathon; Mike qualified, Jeff did not. Jeff was now motivated to succeed and he once again trained – this time for the Columbus Marathon. He failed again. He now had just two weeks to prepare for the Detroit Marathon. He blocked out the pain and met the goal he had set with his nephew. With his family behind him, Jeff and his nephew ran in the 2007 Boston Marathon.
Even though Jeff thought he was done with marathons, he continued to run and pray at home. He was talking about his experience with the marathons at a wedding and found himself face-to-face with yet another opportunity to compete. A friend enthusiastically shared with him that this year marked the 30th anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Jeff‘s heart beat little faster. This year he and his wife Donna will celebrate 30 years of marriage. The following morning Jeff ran 12 miles and determined that he needed a new goal. He would run in the Chicago Marathon and will strive to do it in his best finish time yet.
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September 9, 2007
RUNNER 3: ANGIE CHAPLIN
Age: 36
Occupation: Director of Center for Learning & Leading (Lutheran Services in Iowa)
Hometown: Waverly, Iowa
Previous Marathons: 2
Runner Story: Angie Chaplin deserves the title of champion in the obstacle course of life. She experienced a revelation in 2003 when she concluded that the medical bills associated with her weight were not worth her lifestyle. Unable to keep up with her two sons and active husband, she was unhappy. She knew if she continued this path her health and family relationships would inevitably deteriorate.
After a series of medical evaluations, she took the first step towards her goal by undergoing a gastric bypass. Though the pain from the surgery was significant, she forced herself to begin walking; first with a few steps to her hospital room door, then the nurse’s station, and eventually out the front door. At home she persisted in her desire to succeed by walking every day, each time extending the distance and gaining confidence.
Four months after her surgery, she advanced to jogging and was ready to test herself in a 5K sponsored by the nonprofit organization where she worked. Her finish was not glorious; yet crossing the finish line in 49 minutes and second-to-last was triumphant. Just a few months before, she might not have even entered the race. Her placement encouraged her to progress. She chased her goals with a run in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego. She found herself making a difference in her life and others by bringing in over $5,000 in donations for those affected by Leukemia.
Angie decided to take on The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2006. She trained aggressively and managed to clip 15 minutes off her finish time. Three days before the race she suffered a violent grand mal seizure resulting in 13 staples in her head and her withdrawal. After multiple tests, her physicians agreed that the seizure was a fluke and not likely to be a recurring condition. Imprisoned to travel by foot – Iowa requires a 6 month suspension of a driver’s license after a seizure - she was once again determined to take control of her life. With her doctor’s green light, Angie trained for The 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. She erased the label of couch potato and will achieve the pride of a runner.
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September 8, 2007
RUNNER 2: MICHAEL McROYAL
Age: 29
Occupation: Assistant Director of BNI Chicago/Stand-up Comedian
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previous Marathons: Debut
Michael McRoyal certainly put some distance under his feet during his service in the military, but until recently it was mostly just a chore. He never struggled in his fitness goals so volunteering to run in a two mile race from the Chicago Police Academy to the Sears Tower seemed to be a reachable goal. Without planning on it, Michael stumbled onto a new pastime.
The opportunity to run again came when he was invited to participate in the 5K Run to Remember – a race supported by the Chicago Police Department. His first thought was that the distance was too great as he had not faced an endurance challenge in some time. He decided he would have to push himself if he was to compete in the 5K. At his first chance, Michael visited his gym and started on a treadmill. He completed the distance on the first try and went on to finish the race.
Running was no longer a chore for Michael, so when he learned about the 30th anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon he began to research how to register and prepare for the race. He located the Chicago Area Runner’s Association (CARA) and with the help of their program director, Bill Fitzgerald, he learned a great deal about the race and was motivated to begin training. He immediately joined a running group to begin training aggressively.
Not only will Michael participate in the Chicago Marathon this October 7, he will also be running to celebrate his father’s birthday; a man who has been a source of inspiration his entire life. He is especially looking forward to finishing before his 30th birthday this November. With his life seemingly falling into place, he was additionally asked to be photographed for the LaSalle Bank mural which is painted annually to promote the Marathon. He and his fellow runners can be viewed from Chicago’s Kennedy expressway near the Armitage Avenue exit. He is also one of eight runners whose stories are featured in the race's advertising campaign.
View the full-size version of Michael's print advertisement by clicking on the image above to open the PDF file. View the other runners featured in this year's campaign.
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September 7, 2007
RUNNER 1: JO DEE MESSINA
Age: 37
Occupation: Country Music Singer
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn. (born in Holliston, Mass.)
Marathons: 1 (2006 Boston Marathon)
Jo Dee Messina is clearing her celebrity schedule to compete in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and she isn’t doing it alone. She was first attracted to the event when she was challenged to run alongside another runner. When he elected to be a spectator, she decided to keep her promise to run and continued training. In the meantime, she recruited her brother and steel-guitar player to accompany her in the race!
On October 7, Jo Dee will perform the national anthem for her fellow athletes before joining the masses for the 26.2-mile run.
While this is her first experience with the Chicago Marathon, she is no stranger to the world of physical competition. As the daughter of an athletic director, she has tackled everything from the playground favorites of kickball and capture-the-flag to the more disciplined sports of figure skating and gymnastics. As an adult, she encouraged her desire to stay active and finished the Boston Marathon in 2006; despite a painful knee injury.
Though Jo Dee’s interest in running is relatively new, she maintained an enthusiastic approach from the beginning. While on tour featuring her most recent album, Delicious Surprise, she managed to squeeze in training time before the start of each hectic day and followed through with a healthy diet. She enjoys both the physical and mental benefits of running – including restful sleep.
The passion she has shown for her career is echoed in her dedication to complete the Chicago Marathon. As an accomplished country music singer - modestly boasting nominations and awards from The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and The Grammy Awards - she has spent her professional life battling for the spotlight. Her fellow athletes are sure to be inspired as she is set to open the event from the Start Line by performing the national anthem before joining them in the race.
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