263 Runners Hit Chicago Marathon to Fund Suicide Prevention
Chicago -- On Sunday, October 11, 2026, 263 runners will take on the Chicago Marathon's 26.2-mile course as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) "Race for Hope" team, turning their mileage into fundraising for mental health research and education.
Team Has Raised Nearly $4.6 Million Since 2010
More than 1,800 participants have run under the Race for Hope banner since the team joined the Chicago Marathon in 2010, collectively raising close to $4.6 million for AFSP. This year's 263-member team is aiming to add nearly $1 million more to that total.
Runners Wear Jerseys With Personal Stories on the Back
Each team member races in a custom jersey featuring the Race for Hope logo on the front and a personal message on the back -- often naming a loved one lost to suicide or reflecting on their own mental health struggles.