The Release of Running

Global Running Day - June 7

AJ Steinbruecker

Northbrook resident Todd Kestin is one of the few fathers who can say his young girls can't quite keep up with him. A non-competitive runner, Kestin is training for his fifth Chicago Marathon in 2017. "Anna (6) thinks she can keep up with me and, to prove her point, actually ran a half mile with me. She said, "Daddy, I'm going to a run a marathon like you." I'm hoping we can run together one day. Abby (2) can't keep up yet but she is an incredible support. She cheers as we run around the corner. It's hard to say if she is cheering or yelling at us."

Although Kestin began running cross country and track in high school it wasn't something he stuck with as an adult, until more than ten years after college. "After my brother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, my wife, Karen, and sister-in-law, Lisa, ran the 2012 Chicago Marathon with DetermiNation."

DetermiNation is the American Cancer Society's nation of athletes determined to end cancer. This powerful and inspiring movement saves lives by enabling athletes to dedicate their training and participation in endurance events to a lifesaving effort to fight cancer.

"While my brother-in-law, Rob, was battling cancer, my sister-in-law, Lisa, created Team Rob. My wife (who has never run more than a mile in her life) decided to sign up. She trained hard, she raised money, and she finished the marathon. We wanted to continue what we started. I run for Rob, but also the many people in my life who have struggled with cancer. This nasty disease impacts so many people and if running raises money, how could I not do it? Since 2012, Team Rob has raised more than $100,000 and we are still going."

Over the years, thousands of athletes have had an experience of a lifetime while raising millions for the fight against all types of cancer. With every step taken and every mile conquered, these determined athletes are helping create a world with less cancer.

"Running has become my release in life," said Kestin. "Running for Team Rob and DetermiNation changed my life. The people, the support, and the love we have received from this incredible Team DetermiNation has been life changing for me. I have made lifelong friends and learned incredible resilience along the way."

DetermiNation has limited spaces left in the 2017 Chicago Marathon. Contact Christopher Bowles: christopher.bowles@cancer.org or call (312) 279-7255.