Name: Jack Madison

City: New York City

Profession: Tech Sales

Fundraising Goal: $2,000

Race Goal: 3:40

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:

Growing up, one of the most constant things was seeing my dad off on his daily 3 mile run on the path close to our house. Without fail, no matter how cold it got in Minnesota, he was always out there every day and that passively instilled a love and appreciation for running. About 5 years ago, my dad became ill with a degenerative brain disease and passed away in July of 2022. The last 9 months of his life he was confined to his bed and could no longer move his body the way he always had. While he was not affected by a spinal cord injury, he did lose his mobility and since his passing, I have become passionate about fundraising for organizations that research spinal cord injuries / paralysis. My dad was an avid runner his entire life and even ran a few marathons when he was my age so a few months before his passing I challenged myself to complete a marathon in honor of him (NYC 2022) and have been hooked ever since. Here’s to my 5th marathon for you, Dad!

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?

This will be my 5th (maybe 6th, depending on if I get into Berlin) marathon! Second time running Chicago, and I have run the NYC Marathon 3 times prior.

What do you crave after a long run?

Pickles! The salt and sourness does wonders for replenishment. That, or any type of mango smoothie after a long run on a hot day.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?

I love long mixes of music that are about an hour long on Soundcloud. That way I don’t have to worry about skipping songs and if I listen to just 4 of them then I’m done with a marathon!

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?

I am most excited about seeing so many people I know in Chicago that I don’t always get to see. Also very excited to see Chicago at its best - I think marathon day is the best day in the city all year.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to weight train, watch movies, go to concerts, travel, and cook.