Meet the 2026 Aspire Chicago Marathon Team!
Date
March 31, 2026
Time
6 minutes
Category
News
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Aspire is excited to announce our 2026 Chicago Marathon Team!
We have 8 inspiring runners going the distance to raise funds for the critical work we do at Aspire, connecting people with disabilities to ever-greater possibilities for learning, jobs, and safe places to call home.
Each runner has a personal reason for supporting Aspire, and their dedication is truly incredible.
If you feel inspired, we’d love your support! You can donate to an individual runner’s fundraising page or support Team Aspire as a whole. Every gift makes a meaningful impact.
Thank you for helping power what’s possible
Stay tuned for ways you can participate in the celebration. The Aspire Family will be there with a cheer section on that day!
Eli
My name is Eli Ruplinger and I am the manager of Aspire’s Independent Living programs. I have worked at Aspire for 6 years and have spent most of my adult life working in the disability field. I am running the Chicago marathon this year for Aspire because I see first-hand the impact our programs make in the lives of those we support. Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list, so when I heard that I could do it in support of an organization who’s mission is so dear to my heart, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Hailee
This will be my second marathon and my first world marathon! I live in Arizona and am a teacher. I work with students of all ability levels. I am so excited to run for Aspire as inclusivity and accessibility is always at the forefront of my classroom!
Kyra
I am so excited to be running for Team Aspire in my first ever marathon! My family has worked closely with Aspire for many years, so I’m so grateful to help support their mission. I’m also excited to run along side my husband, Tom, who is also on Team Aspire. I’ve always loved running and pushing myself to new challenges. Being able to run for Aspire gives a whole new purpose to training and race day. I’m so grateful to support this organization!
Matt
I am excited to be running for the Aspire team in the 2026 Chicago Marathon! I chose to support Aspire because I believe in its mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The resources and support for these individuals is never enough, and I am proud to contribute to an organization creating meaningful, lasting impact.
As a former competitive runner in highschool, I have come to value the discipline, hard work, and consistency the sport demands, qualities that carry over in our daily lives. Running the 2026 Chicago Marathon is both a personal challenge and a reminder that we are all capable of doing hard things. By embracing the challenges of our daily lives, we can ultimately become better people. Running with Aspire, I’m especially motivated by the individuals they serve, whose strength and resilience inspire me to be the best person I can be.
Rudy
I’ve had the pleasure of working at Aspire for the past two and a half years, and during that time I’ve seen firsthand the impact our work has on so many lives.
I’m running to help raise awareness about Aspire and hopefully inspire others to learn more about this incredible organization and get involved in any way they can. This will be my second marathon, and I’m aiming to beat both my time and my fundraising goal from last year!
Sophie
I am a profoundly deaf individual who grew up with cochlear implants, and my experiences have shaped my deep commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Too often, people with disabilities are met with environments that are not designed for them, whether in school, the workplace, or everyday life. I have frequently had to advocate for my own needs in order to succeed, and while that has made me stronger, it has also shown me how isolating a lack of awareness and accessibility can be. I connect deeply with Aspire’s mission of building a future where people of every ability can live, work, and thrive together. I believe in creating spaces where individuals are not just accommodated, but truly valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Through this run, I am proud to support Aspire in advancing inclusivity, expanding opportunities, and helping more people feel a true sense of belonging.
Tom
Hello! My name is Tom Poznanski, and my wife, Kyra Hartley, and I are SO excited to run the Chicago Marathon for Aspire. This will be my 1st Chicago marathon, but 2nd marathon overall so looking forward to all the support! I really enjoy staying active and pushing myself to try new and challenging things.
My wife and her family have been a part of the Aspire family for some time, so seeing the important and invaluable support Aspire provides has been incredible to see, since joining the family. I can’t wait to continue supporting Aspire, and am honored to run on their behalf 🙂
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