Thom Bateman started running 20 years ago for one reason: he wanted to live long enough to watch his kids grow up. On Oct. 11, the Wilmette resident will cross the finish line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for his 100th career marathon.
He won't be the only local runner with a milestone in Grant Park that morning. Henry Kozlowski, 76, also of Wilmette, will toe the start line for the 48th consecutive time, extending an unbroken streak that dates to the very first Chicago Marathon on Sept. 25, 1977.
Bateman, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served 26 years, lived across the country during his military career but always came back to Chicago for race day. He considers the Chicago Marathon his home course, according to the race's official runner profiles released Aug. 11.
What began as a lifestyle change became a lifelong pursuit fueled by fatherhood. Now Bateman will hit triple digits in the city he calls home.
Kozlowski is one of only two runners who have completed every Chicago Marathon since 1977. The other, Randy Burt, 78, of Antioch, Illinois, will also be on the course Oct. 11. According to the race's official profiles, both runners take it one year at a time but are eyeing the 50th edition as their biggest milestone.
Another North Shore connection: Timothy Gross of Northfield, nearly 70, is targeting a personal best of sub-3:40:35 for his 10th Chicago Marathon finish. Gross ran the original 1977 race at age 20, stepped away, then returned to running in 2016 after dropping from 247 pounds. He has completed more than 500 races since.
The 2026 Chicago Marathon is the largest in the event's history, with more than 55,000 participants from over 100 countries. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park. A three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo runs Oct. 8 through Oct. 10 at McCormick Place.
North Shore Sports Ahead
- Oct. 11 — Bank of America Chicago Marathon: 7:30 a.m. start, Grant Park, Chicago. Wilmette's Bateman (100th marathon) and Kozlowski (48th consecutive Chicago finish) among featured runners. Northfield's Gross also competing.
- Oct. 8–10 — Abbott Health & Fitness Expo: McCormick Place Convention Center. Open to registered runners and spectators.
