VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Each year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon presents awards to recognize individuals who have been integral contributors to the event.
- Dr. Poonam Thaker – Gregory Shaskan MD Memorial Award for Outstanding Medical Service
- Robert Orr and Ham Radio Chicago – Lend Your Hands, Save a Life Award
- Panteras Running Club – Outstanding Volunteer Group Award
- Steve Mindel – Pat Rhodes Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
- Lynne Ingalls – Howard Sagett Legacy Award
- Pablo Hernandez – Sustainability and Social Impact Award
Pat Rhodes Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
The Pat Rhodes Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service was created in 2010 to honor the memory of long-time Chicago Marathon volunteer Pat Rhodes. Pat was an accomplished runner and deeply involved member of the Chicago area running community. For 17 years, Pat volunteered as an Aid Station Captain for the Chicago Marathon. He is remembered for his dedication, leadership, and selfless commitment to the running community. Each year this award will be presented to a volunteer who embodies those same qualities.
Recipients of the Pat Rhodes Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Gregory Shaskan MD Award for Outstanding Medical Service
The Gregory Shaskan MD Memorial Award was created in 2010 to honor the memory of former Medical Volunteer Dr. Gregory Shaskan. Dr. Shaskan served as Code Team Medical Captain at the Chicago Marathon from 2007-09. He was committed to the assurance that every participant finished safely. He also served as a mentor for other health care professionals to help them promote healthy living throughout the community. Each year, this award will be given to the Medical Volunteer team member who exemplifies commitment and professionalism. This individual has shown great leadership in the field of marathon medicine and additionally has served as a teacher to those who follow.
Recipients of the Gregory Shaskan MD for Outstanding Medical Service
Lend Your Hands, Save a Life Award
The Lend Your Hands, Save a Life Award was established by Medical Director George Chiampas, D.O. to recognize a member of the medical program who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to participant safety, contributes innovative medical processes that enhance participant safety and experience, or who goes above and beyond the call of duty to have a positive impact on participants.
Recipients of the Lend Your Hands, Save a Life Award
Howard Sagett Legacy Award
The Legacy Award was introduced in 2017 in honor of the event’s 40th anniversary. In 2022, the award was renamed in honor of Howard Sagett, a foundational member of our events and unwavering supporter of the Chicago running community. The award will be presented annually to recognize an individual who has and continues to go above and beyond to support the event, has a longstanding relationship with the race and has truly helped to make the event the world-class race that it is today.
Recipients of the Legacy Award
Outstanding Volunteer Group Award
The Outstanding Volunteer Group Award was introduced in 2019. Over 75% of the event’s volunteers are recruited through volunteer groups from local non-profit organizations, running clubs, or sports teams and clubs at the high schools and university levels. Each year, this award will recognize a volunteer group that exhibits exceptional volunteer performance and unmatched dedication to volunteer service.
Recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Group Award
Sustainability and Social Impact Award
The Sustainability and Social Impact Award was introduced in 2023 and is presented annually to a volunteer or volunteer group who embodies our commitment to uplifting both people and planet and recognizes those who have made meaningful contributions to the Chicago Distance Series and the communities our events impact through their ongoing dedication in advancing sustainability and social responsibility.
Recipients of the Sustainability and Social Impact Award
ChicaGO the Distance Award
Established in 2024, the ChicaGO the Distance Award recognizes an event partner who helps our events go the distance year-after-year.
Recipients of the ChicaGO the Distance Award
Special recognition
On occasion, individuals perform extraordinary acts of service in unique situations. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is proud to honor these deserving recipients.
Recipients of special recognition
