Bereaved Runners Completed Chicago Marathon
Twenty-five family members ran 42.2 kilometers to honor lost loved ones.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Running
Twenty-five bereaved family members and runners from OneFamily participated in the Chicago Marathon to commemorate their loved ones. The group traveled from Israel to Chicago to complete the 42.2-kilometer race.
Why it matters
The runners used the five-month training process as a way to share experiences of loss and demonstrate resilience while maintaining the memory of those killed in conflict. The team specifically timed their travel to mark the third anniversary of the October 7 attack.
A team of 25 runners completed the Chicago Marathon after five months of intensive physical preparation. The effort served as a commemorative act following the death of individuals like 22-year-old Yogev Pazi, who fell in battle in northern Gaza in November 2024.
The players
OneFamily
An organization that supports families of victims of terrorist attacks and casualties of conflict.
Yogev Pazi
A 22-year-old soldier who died in battle in northern Gaza and was commemorated by the runners.
The details
The runners utilized consistent group training sessions to prepare for the 42.2-kilometer distance. These workouts provided a structured environment for participants to share personal experiences of grief and offer mutual encouragement. By engaging in long-distance running, the team focused on the physical act of moving forward while actively preserving the memory of the individuals they lost.
Timeline
November 2024: Yogev Pazi died in battle in northern Gaza.
May 2026: The team began their five-month marathon training.
October 7, 2026: The team flew from Israel to Chicago to mark the third anniversary of the terrorist attack.
October 11, 2026: The Chicago Marathon took place.
Health Landscape
This effort follows a pattern of using endurance sports as a means of processing trauma and fostering social connection after collective loss. It highlights the role of sustained physical activity in supporting resilience for populations affected by conflict-related bereavement.
Engaging in long-term group fitness goals can offer a meaningful framework for navigating grief and building emotional resilience. If you are considering training for a marathon to process a personal loss, discuss the physical requirements and pacing with your doctor first.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how goal-oriented physical activity can serve as an effective outlet for shared mourning and emotional recovery. Readers experiencing loss may consider the psychological benefits of community-based exercise programs when seeking ways to honor their loved ones.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of long-distance training and community support, visit Running.
