Hi everyone, thank you for visiting my page! For those of you who may not know me, my name is Lucas Schodowski. I am 24 years old and just moved to Chicago after a year in NYC upon graduating from the University of Michigan in May 2024. 

I'm honored to run the 2026 Chicago Marathon for Still I Run—the country's only non-profit running community dedicated to promoting the mental health benefits of running. This organization is doing something truly special:

• Breaking stigma by creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health

• Raising awareness about the powerful connection between physical activity and mental wellness

• Building community so no one has to face their struggles alone

• Providing resources to help people start running as a tool for mental health management

• Offering hope that recovery and wellness are possible

My journey with mental health is deeply personal. It began with a personal loss - I lost my dad to suicide in 2019 after a long battle with mental illness. Since then, I've seen firsthand the impact mental illnesses have on individuals and their loved ones. 

Growing up, my father and I bonded over sports and fitness. We'd run the Turkey Trot 5K together every year, and those memories have stayed with me. He was no marathoner by any means, but he would sport his uncle's Lions Jersey every year (see picture), and his energy was always infectious. He's the reason I got into sports; he was my first coach for baseball, soccer, you name it. After his passing, I found solace in running, which has become a crucial part of working through my mental health. By sharing my story, I hope to contribute to a world where mental health is understood and accepted, rather than being brushed off or ignored, offering a lifeline to those going through similar experiences. Suicide accounts for over 800,000 deaths globally each year, with over 41,000 in the U.S. alone. It is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide for 15–29-year-olds. Not only is there a stigma against mental health, but there is a stigma against men speaking about their mental health, specifically young men. I want to help change this devastating trend.

Now, as I lace up my shoes in Chicago or previously in New York City, each run is both a tribute to my dad and a commitment to my own mental health. Most recently, I completed the NYC Marathon in 3:07:26 while fundraising for NAMI-NYC, another incredible organization supporting people battling mental illness. Running has helped me in so many ways, and I know it can help others, too. I'm excited to take on the next challenge of the Chicago Marathon! 

Still I Run understands what I learned through personal experience: running isn't just about physical fitness—it's a powerful, accessible tool for managing mental health. It's medicine that doesn't require a prescription, therapy that costs nothing but effort, and a community that welcomes everyone.

I aim to share my story, with both mental health and running, to inspire others who are navigating similar challenges my father faced, or anyone who is looking for a solution to work through their mental health struggles. Follow me @lucasschodowski and @strideandserve on Instagram to follow the journey! I am aiming to run a sub-3:00 marathon if we can reach my goal of $10,000!

Thank you so much for your support and for reading this page!