Meet the Readers & Runners Racing the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series
by Allison Yates
While at Read & Run Chicago our programming focuses on combining movement and stories to explore Chicago, our community also participates in athletic challenges year round. Between Chicago’s countless 5K races to half marathons around the Chicagoland area, readers & runners run for both fun and to push their athletic limits. We are also honored to have five readers & runners racing the entire 2026 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series through the Entries for Equity Program. We couldn’t think of better humans to represent Read & Run Chicago and our mission.
[Related: Chicago Readers & Runners Race the Chicago Distance Series in the Entries for Equity Program]
Meet the incredible Chicagoans who are tackling the three races—and 26.2 miles!—for the first time this year.
Meet the Runners
Fiona Ian
Fiona Ian—a thoughtful Chicagoan determined to make the city more equitable—is a 1.5-generation immigrant “running to honor my family’s sacrifices and the city that raised me in my young adulthood,” she says. While she’s balancing community, caregiving, and everyday life, running is her sanctuary. “I’m proud to run with purpose,” she shares, “amplifying equity, belonging, and joy in every mile.” We couldn’t be more proud to have you, Fiona!
Fiona Ian. Credit: Kyle Nowaczyk.
Favorite place to run: Lakefront Trail
Favorite type of run: Recovery runs
Training mantra: “One mile, one step, one story at a time”
What character (real or fictional!) she’s channeling this training season: Sunja from Pachinko by Min Jin Lee reminds me that endurance is often quiet and inherited. She runs on sacrifice, responsibility, and love for family, values I carry into every mile.
Why she’s running this year: For immigrant kids like me, so they can see themselves represented and know they belong on the start line, too.
Francisco R. Peralta-Cerda
We couldn’t be more grateful for Francisco—he’s not only a dedicated volunteer, but he brings so much humor, joy, and heart to everything he gets involved in. “As a first generation leader, there are times when I feel like I’m behind those around me because I’m learning as I go, “ he explains. “However, I’m glad to run behind those in front of me because as they guide me, they give me an example to lead those behind me in return. “ So wise, so humble, and so heartfelt!
Favorite place to run: Both the Lakefront and the Riverwalk. I enjoy seeing the scenery and I feel like I am connected with the history of Chicago. It’s also a giant cultural center because people from different backgrounds, communities, and ages run in the area as one.
Favorite type of run: I’m not sure just yet, but I know that upon realizing that running is not a race but a marathon, I’ve enjoyed going for longer runs without feeling like I need to be the fastest individual around. This has also helped me practice my breathing style and I can focus on the fun aspects of fundamental running and enjoy people watching and thinking about life while I observe the worlds of Chicago around me.
Training mantra: I want to remind myself that I am running for the people that can’t, especially for those in my family who have not had an ability to do so. I know that my students are amazed when they hear about my running because they, like me, did not see people running recreationally and therefore being a “runner” was not something I thought possible.
Francisco R. Peralta-Cerda.
What character (real or fictional!) he’s channeling this training season: One fictional character that I enjoy relating to is Spider-Man, because as someone who grew up reading graphic novels to learn English, I would be amazed by his tenacity and resilience. I know that seven-year-old me aspired to be someone who would not give up easily when tasked with a challenge, and I’d like to inspire those around me to try new challenges and take on new tasks.
Why he’s running this year: Now that I know that running is political, I run to show representation of my community and culture. I am proud to be a Mexican from the South Side and I am proud to showcase Gage Park to those around me. Growing up, it was frowned upon by my community to run recreationally and therefore I had no idea that it was a possibility to do so.
Lesly Ramos
Lesly has been of the greatest additions to the Read & Run Chicago community, and we can’t thank her enough for all of the joy she brings to reading and running (and those ‘fits!). For her, the opportunity to race the Chicago Distance Series is a “tribute to my younger self—the shy girl from the Southwest Side of Chicago who never imagined the joy that running through the streets of Chicago would bring—let alone running more than 10 minutes (thanks PACER test!)!” she shares.
“I hope I can inspire other individuals in my community to take up space and take a leap of faith in finding joy through movement,” explains Lesly. “It only takes one brave person, one visible act of courage, and determination to spark a wave of inspiration.”
And one of the best side affects of running for Lesly? It’s given her a deep appreciation of her body’s inherent strength. For her, she’s reminded that the number on a scale doesn’t define her. Instead, what does is her strength and discipline to cointinue training when times get tough. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us, Lesly!
Favorite place to run: The 606 at 6:00 AM during the summer. It feels so good completing a run before it starts to feel like a sauna outside!
Favorite type of run: I love a speed run! I always feel the strongest and most powerful when running in short intervals.
Lesly Ramos.
Training mantra: “Don’t be afraid of being seeing trying” and the Pitbull quote, “The word impossible says I’M Possible.”
What character (real or fictional!) she’s channeling this training season: To be honest, Edward from Twilight! I want to feel light, effortless and strong while running (and of course sparkling when the sun hits my face).
Why she’s running this year: Growing up in Little Village, movement for leisure seemed reserved for affluent neighborhoods—especially running. For my parents, like many other adults in my community, rest was a luxury. My parents worked long hours in physically demanding jobs, which meant every precious moment of free time was dedicated to physical rest, taking care of the kids, and preparing for the next day. The idea of movement being fun or rewarding was simply not something I could entertain or afford. It is because of my parents' sacrifices that I now have the privilege of time and rest. It’s allowed me the freedom to move my body and access opportunities I never imagined. Training for the marathon will be one of the most significant mental and physical challenges I have ever tackled and I know my parents' guidance will be a constant source of strength. I owe my parents profound gratitude for giving me a strong foundation to chase my dreams and passion—gracias mami y papi.
Austin Davis
We’re so delighted for Austin to represent Read & Run Chicago this Chicago Distance Series! He is full of excitement and energy for exploring Chicago, trying new things, and putting himself in new situations to get out of his comfort zone. Thank you for your big smile and being a wonderful addition to this community!
Austin also runs with Logan Square-based Out There Chicago—catch him at one of their weekly runs or pop-ups throughout the city.
Austin Davis.
Favorite place to run: West Town, because I get to discover more places in the neighborhood as I never run the same route .
Favorite type of run: A “mini” long run. They are convenient when I want to get in some extra miles but don’t necessarily have a lot of time.
Training mantra: “Can’t never could.” If you don’t think you can do something you never will. If you think you can then at some point you will attempt it.
Why he’s running this year: I’m hoping to inspire fellow transgender athletes as well as anyone who has ever been scared of trying something and it not working out for them. I’m also running to show people anything is possible when you give It a try. Until last year, I had never ran before—and now I’m training for a marathon, because why not? I enjoy running, but my passion is trying new things and creating new experiences for myself.
Ally Mark
Ally is ready to have fun. This incredible Chicago transplant wants to step forward on race day and “be ready to enjoy the work, free from the old feelings of stress and pressure that I used to feel with running,” she explains. She brings a dedication to promoting equality in Chicago and beyond and increasing representation across the board. We are so honored to have you represent Read & Run Chicago, Ally!
Favorite place to run: Along the lake! I love to do a loop from Museum Campus to the Riverwalk and back to Grant Park.
Favorite type of run: I love a speed run. The feeling of finding that extra gear inside me is so freeing.
Training mantra: Breathe, dig deep, and have fun!
Ally Mark.
What character (real or fictional!) she’s channeling this training season: I'm a Jane Austen girlie, so I'm always trying to channel Elizabeth Bennet, and find the fun in everything! I love that she isn't afraid to do things to make herself happy, and also learns to admit and grow from mistakes.
Why she’s running this year: I hope to inspire anyone who doesn't think they look like the stereotypical "runner" or "athlete." I spent a long time feeling out of place as the only person of color on my high school cross country and distance track team, and I wish I had felt comfortable owning that identity.
Shoutout to the folks supporting these runners! This year, our runners are:
Training with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)
Racing in New Balance shoes
Fueling with SaltStick
Wearing Pen and Paces bib kits