More than 55,000 athletes will compete in the 2026 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, bringing together elite competitors and first-time participants from around the world. In a monthly newsletter feature for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) reported by chicago.gov, athletes Patrick Tomic and Jenna Fesemyer-Ayers discussed their training regimens, their motivations for taking on the course, and the unique energy of the city’s adaptive sports community.
Patrick Tomic Prepares for First Marathon with Achilles International
Patrick Tomic is preparing for his first marathon after building extensive experience in shorter races, chicago.gov reported. He started getting involved in racing during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to get out of his apartment and get fresh air. While he has previously completed half marathons, including the Hot Chocolate Run and the Shamrock Shuffle, he noted that the Chicago Marathon represents his first full 26.2-mile race.
Tomic has trained and run with Achilles International for several years, relying on the organization’s weekly support and volunteer guides. For the marathon itself, the organization supplied him with a guide named Nicole. The pair completed several long training runs together in the lead-up to race day, including a 19-mile run and a half marathon. Tomic highlighted that communication is essential for a guide during the race to keep the pace steady and make the time pass quickly.
Jenna Fesemyer-Ayers Returns to Chicago as an Elite Competitor and Mother
Jenna Fesemyer-Ayers is returning to the Chicago Marathon for her tenth appearance in the race, according to chicago.gov. Growing up in Ohio, she was first introduced to wheelchair sports in 2012 when the state added wheelchair events to high school track and field. Initially a discus thrower who competed in the non-disabled space, she was persuaded by her mother—who worked as a track and field coach—to try adaptive events, eventually competing in the 100, 400, 800, and seated shot put.
Fesemyer-Ayers returns to the elite field following the completion of her Ph.D. and the birth of her first child. She stated that while she initially viewed the 2024 race as her final appearance, she experienced a change of perspective on the starting line. Recognizing the scarcity of disabled athlete mothers in the competitive running space, she expressed a sense of responsibility to provide representation while proving to herself that multiple identities can coexist.
Perspectives on the Chicago Marathon Course and Adaptive Resources
Fesemyer-Ayers described the Chicago Marathon as her favorite hometown race, noting that it successfully bridges the gap between an elite World Marathon Majors competition and an intimate community atmosphere. She credited the crowd’s energy with carrying participants of all abilities through each mile of the course.
Both athletes offered encouragement for other individuals with disabilities interested in taking up distance racing. Tomic emphasized that participating helps improve physical fitness and mental health while offering new perspectives. Fesemyer-Ayers recommended connecting with local adaptive sports networks, noting that Chicago offers extensive resources ranging from Dare to Tri to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Chicago Marathon Adaptive Division
How many athletes are registered for the 2026 Chicago Marathon?
More than 55,000 athletes are scheduled to compete in the race on Sunday, October 11, 2026, as reported by chicago.gov.
How can individuals contact the city’s disability community newsletter team?
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities accepts project and event coverage suggestions via email at Ellen.Wernecke@cityofchicago.org.
What local organizations support adaptive athletes in Chicago?
Athletes utilize resources and training facilitation from groups including Achilles International, Dare to Tri, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, according to chicago.gov.
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