The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has been a staple since 1977 and is one of the largest races worldwide by number of finishers. Occurring on Oct. 12, the second Sunday of October, before Columbus Day, thousands of athletes across the globe travel to the Windy City to compete, and LT’s Social Action Project (SAP) attended the annual Chicago Marathon to support participants in wheelchairs. 

“We guide them along the path to the start line, encourage them, and overall get to know them as a person,” SAP Officer Lyla Replin ‘26 said. 

SAP is focused on encouraging and involving members to make a difference in the community in any way they can. Last year was the first time SAP attended the marathon in partnership with Dare2Tri, an adaptive sports nonprofit with a mission to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through swimming, biking, and running. Along with others, participants work with athletes who use wheelchairs throughout the day, carrying their bags, communicating with them, and supporting them throughout the sports event. Replin participated in last year’s marathon with SAP, assisting disabled racer Dean Furness, who suffered in an accident in 2011, rendering him paraplegic. 

“He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and shared lots of funny stories as well as gave us great advice about our futures,” Replin said. “Last year felt very rewarding as well as helpful. I learned a lot from the man we helped, and he was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met.”

This year wasn’t much different; SAP member and LION News Editor Abby Stahulak ‘26 attended, waking up at 3:30 A.M. to drive to the city to help. Stahulak and others met and paired with racers from around the world, helping them gather all of their belongings and guide them to the start line from the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue. Stahulak assisted Swedish Paralympic athlete Manuela Schär throughout the race, and said the experience was nothing short of inspiring.

“[I] got to learn a separate side of the whole race,” Stahulak said. “It’s more intriguing to be able to help them and get to know them as people rather than racers we see on the television. I found it so interesting that this side of the marathon isn’t typically covered as much because, to me, it is almost more interesting than the actual runners.”

SAP meets every other Tuesday in D102 at SC and is open to new members.