Team of five runners will raise funds to support the future of the running industry
(July 24, 2026) – Running USA is proud to introduce the five runners selected for its inaugural Charity Team for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, taking place Oct. 11, 2026. As participants in Running USA’s first-ever marathon charity team, these athletes will raise funds to support the organization’s mission of advancing the running industry through education, advocacy, research and leadership development.
The team represents a diverse cross-section of the running community, with each athlete bringing a unique story and a shared commitment to giving back.
“We’re honored to introduce this great group of charity runners for this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon and are grateful to them for their enthusiastic support of the running industry and Running USA,” said Shawn K. Sullivan, Running USA Executive Director. “This is an exciting new initiative for us and we look forward to growing the team and expanding its efforts to other nationwide events in the future. Thank you to Running USA Legend Member Chicago Event Management for supporting our debut charity team entry!”
Meet the Team
Gretchen Frommeyer – Kentucky
Gretchen began running in college and found it became a constant source of strength throughout her career as a social worker. She credits the sport with supporting her mental well-being and has built a close-knit community through her local run club and family. Chicago will be her second marathon, and she is excited to run for a cause that keeps the focus on helping others. Donate to Gretchen’s fundraiser.
Curtis Bailey – North Carolina
Curtis balances his passion for running with working at a local coffee shop and hosting a monthly vintage clothing market. Running has transformed his mental health and introduced him to a supportive community that encouraged him to pursue his first marathon. He’ll represent Running USA in Chicago after completing four half marathons and becoming an active leader in his local group run. Donate to Curtis’ fundraiser.
Anthony Clary Sr. – Virginia
Anthony turned to running after a prediabetes diagnosis in 2014 and ultimately lost more than 100 pounds while transforming his physical and mental health. Today, he is co-founder of Richmond-based run community We Off The Couch, which works to remove barriers to fitness and make running more accessible. A veteran marathoner, Anthony sees representing Running USA as an opportunity to inspire his community and demonstrate the life-changing power of running. Donate to Anthony’s fundraiser.
Neil Soucy – New Hampshire
A lifelong New Hampshire resident and owner of a ski and snowboard retail business, Neil discovered running just over a year ago after making a bet with his sister. Since then, he has completed two marathons and embraced the camaraderie and personal challenge that comes with the sport. Running USA’s mission inspired him to combine his pursuit of the Abbott World Marathon Majors with an opportunity to strengthen the running community. Donate to Neil’s fundraiser. Donate to Neil’s fundraiser.
Jenny Thurber – Massachusetts
Originally from New Jersey, Jenny has called Boston home for the past decade, where running has remained a constant through every stage of life. After an injury prevented her from running Chicago several years ago, she now has the opportunity to return while supporting Running USA’s mission. Chicago will be her first marathon and the fulfillment of a long-held goal. Donate to Jenny’s fundraiser.
Through their fundraising efforts, the inaugural Running USA Charity Team will help support programs and initiatives that strengthen race organizations, event professionals and the broader running industry.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.