Ben's Fundraising Page
Only 81 days remaining to help Ben's Fundraising Page reach his fundraising goal
$1,465.00 raised
$5,000.00 goal
Latest Updates
Help me finish strong tomorrow!
I failed to get you more regular updates, but I did make it through most of the training runs. Tomorrow is the race, and physically I'm feeling great. Still working on the mental prep. When I gave my stats to Claude it said the best I should expect to be able to finish is 3:40 (8:24 min/mile). My Garmin Watch today is telling me I can finish in 3:30 (8:00 min/mile). I'd been thinking I could beat both predictions, but now it's much warmer outside than expected.  So to give myself a bit of an additional incentive, for each of the 27 splits (26 miles and the last .22 at the end) I'm going to increase my donation: $1 if I average 8:30 min/mile or better; $2 if I average 8:15 min/mile or better; $4 if I average 8:00 min/mile or better; $8 if I average 7:45 min/mile or better; $16 if I average 7:30 min/mile or better; $32 if I average 7:15 min/mile or better; $64 if I average 7:00 min/mile or better. That should more than cover the range of possible splits. :-) With the attacks on journalism and the free press becoming only more pronounced and shameless since we started fundraising, the need has only grown. So I'd invite you to cheer me on by making a commitment along the lines I've got here for tomorrow.  Then tune in to see what we can make possible! Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chimarathon/id718145625 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tcs.chicagomarathon2013&hl=en_US In person: All around Chicago!!! Tomorrow, Sunday, Oct 11 Bib Number: 21873 My estimated Start Time: 7:55am CDT
Added on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:54 PM
A MESSAGE FROM Ben's Fundraising Page

Friends, 

I've been so incredibly fortunate to spend so much of my life and career attempting lend a hand to our neighbors in countries far less fortunate than what we've had going on here in the US. 

In my travels, however, I've sadly also seen first hand what happens when governments take aim at journalists, manipulate the press, relentlessly lie to their people, stifle free speech, and demonize their fellow citizens. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed or ambivalent or confused, my experiences indicate that all those feelings are very much by design. The remedy requires greater transparency and accountability which are not possible without courageous reporting.

Inspired by the example of much braver and more creative friends in far off places, I want to both push back against the assaults on our great country while also spreading a bit of joy as a reminder of what we stand to lose. So on this page, I'll be sharing my own personal Pursuit of Happiness dedicated to safeguarding the same inalienable right for all of us. 

Join me over the next two months as I post updates from my practice runs - I'll aim to be as ridiculous as possible and will warmly welcome requests. 

Contribute what you can to help make up for all the money that has been pulled out from under public media. Listen when you can to the captivating stories and penetrating reporting that these institutions make possible. Share where you can both their links and your commitment to another 250 years in pursuit of a more perfect union.

No donation too small, no action too meek. 

Wait, Wait, Don't Stop Me!

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  • The Overtons made a $100.00 donation

    "Do. Or do not. There is no try."

    $100.00
  • Widell Family made a $200.00 donation

    Hope you started training.

    $200.00
  • In honor of your awesome work, too much to name here made a $25.00 donation

    Specifically, your work with CORE, J/P HRO, Uganda Village Project, et. al; in general, making the rest of us look like slackers...but in the best way possible! ;-)

    $25.00
  • Jen Czischke made a $20.00 donation

    have a GREAT run!!!

    $20.00
  • Marissa Saints made a $250.00 donation

    You got this!

    $250.00
  • Luca made a $70.00 donation

    Good luck!

    $70.00
  • Alison Hayward made a $50.00 donation

    I’ve heard Chicago is one of the best! Enjoy pursuing happiness to the fullest

    $50.00
  • Mary and Anthony Mehr made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Michael Welborn made a $50.00 donation

    Looking forward to some great stuff!

    $50.00
  • Levington Family made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Anonymous made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Burns Family made a $200.00 donation
    $200.00
  • Laura Novitsky made a $100.00 donation

    way to go big bro! proud of you!!

    $100.00
  • Mort Guffman made a $100.00 donation

    I'm sorry I couldn't make it to see you!

    $100.00
  • Kathrine Able made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
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