Empowered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the participants channel 26.2 miles into vital support for mental health education and research.
CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the streets of Chicago Sunday October 11, 263 determined athletes will transform 26.2 miles of endurance into a profound message of hope and healing. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) "Race for Hope" team will run to honor those they have lost to suicide, while bringing awareness and hope for those impacted or struggling.
The AFSP's mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP saves lives and provides hope through research, education, and advocacy for the prevention of suicide and support to those affected by suicide.
The AFSP "Race for Hope" team plays its role in those efforts by giving team members the opportunity to combine their athletic pursuits with fundraising for a cause they care about. Since 2010, the team has delivered on this commitment, with many team members raising far above the required fundraising amount. More than 1,800 participants have raised nearly $4.6 million since the team started running the Chicago Marathon in 2010.
Each Race for Hope team member wears a custom race jersey featuring the team logo on the front and their personal reason for running on the back, whether remembering a loved one or reflecting on personal struggles. This year, 263 participants are hoping to raise an additional nearly $1 million to benefit AFSP.
Track the team's progress toward its goal and donate at www.supporting.afsp.org/chicagomarathon26
"Members of AFSP's Race for Hope Chicago Marathon team have spent the summer training to run 26.2 miles and fundraising for suicide prevention," said Steve Moore, team co-captain and former member of Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of AFSP. "By speaking with thousands of donors about suicide and mental health, our team members have spread awareness while helping fund AFSP's research, education and advocacy programs."
Nationally, nine in ten individuals who die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, with these conditions often being undiagnosed or untreated.
AFSP and its Illinois chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call, chat, or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.
To learn more about AFSP Illinois, go to www.afsp.org/illinois
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources
Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs
Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org/reporting
SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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