On October 11, 2026, I'll be running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Advocate Health Care charity team.

Running has become a huge part of who I am. It's what gets me out of bed at 5am, gives me purpose, and motivates me to keep pushing my limits. I love setting goals, embracing the challenge of the training process, and discovering what's possible through consistency and hard work.

At 31 years old, running has also become a way for me to explore the world. As someone who loves to travel, there's no better way to experience a city than on foot. While growing up in South Africa, the Chicago Marathon was regarded as one of the most iconic and prestigious races in the world so when the opportunity arose to run my first World Marathon Major, I couldn't pass it up.

My running journey has accelerated since moving from South Africa to Toronto in March 2025. Relocating to a new country brought plenty of challenges - adjusting to a different culture, building a new community, adapting to a new workplace, and being far away from family and lifelong friends. Through it all, running provided consistency, purpose, and connection.

I completed my first marathon in October 2025 in 3:27. Less than a year later, I improved that time to 3:17 and earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time. While I'm proud of that progress, Chicago is about much more than chasing another personal best.

For the past few years, my mom has been battling breast cancer. Watching someone you love face that challenge gives you an appreciation for quality healthcare and the doctors, nurses, and support teams who make such a difference in the lives of patients and their families. 

That's why this race is especially meaningful. This is the first time I've fundraised for a cause connected to cancer and healthcare, making this journey about more than just crossing a finish line. It's an opportunity to support an organization that helps provide care, hope, and support to those who need it most.

To secure my place on the start line in Chicago, I am raising $2,200 USD for Advocate Health Care while covering all of my own race expenses. Every dollar donated goes toward helping Advocate continue its important work supporting patients and families.

Whether you choose to donate, share this page, or simply follow along on the journey, thank you for your support. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for running with a cause that means so much to me and my family.