With the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon around the corner, runners from Florida are facing an unexpected challenge: hurricane season.
Hurricane Helene struck first, making landfall in late September as a Category 3 storm. It caused significant flooding and damage across central Florida. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton, a more powerful Category 4 storm, devastated the Panhandle.
These back-to-back hurricanes led to widespread evacuations, road closures, and power outages, leaving many registered participants from the state uncertain about whether they would be able to make it to Chicago. With homes damaged and communities in recovery mode, marathon plans were suddenly overshadowed by the immediate need to focus on safety and rebuilding.
Deferring to Next Year
The Chicago Marathon, which attracts tens of thousands of runners from around the globe, has approximately 1,500 participants registered from Florida. Given the severe impact of the hurricane, race organizers offered these runners the option to defer their entry until 2025 at no additional cost.
The marathon’s decision was met with appreciation, especially for those unable to travel due to flight cancellations, airport closures, and safety concerns. Some runners, like Dave Richardson from Fort Lauderdale, made the decision to fly to Chicago early to avoid the worst of the storms. He and his wife, both charity runners for the American Cancer Society, relocated to an airport hotel and continued to work remotely, hoping their home in Florida would be spared major damage.
However, not all Florida runners were able to leave the state.
Carla Sieber, a nurse from Tampa, was uncertain about her participation in the marathon, as the storm left her questioning whether she should stay to help her community or head to Chicago as planned. Many runners like Sieber have trained for months, often raising thousands of dollars for charity. While the marathon remains an important goal, the destruction left by the hurricanes has undoubtedly taken precedence for many.
The impact of the hurricanes is clear and many Florida runners are expected to take advantage of the deferment. With airports closed, flights grounded, and travel routes disrupted, many runners simply won’t be able to make it to Chicago in time for the marathon. But for those who can, the journey to the start line will require resilience, both in terms of physical endurance and the emotional toll of leaving behind a storm-ravaged home.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the marathon’s organizers continue to express their commitment to supporting all participants, particularly those affected by the hurricanes. While the event remains scheduled for Sunday, the stories of runners like Richardson, Sieber, and Thompson are just among the few who are facing heavy personal challenges this year, reminding us that running a marathon often involves more than just crossing the finish line.
