10/03/2026
🌟 Meet Mark Scott, one of this year’s Chicago Marathon runners supporting Gerry’s Cafe!
Mark’s journey to the starting line began during a difficult chapter in his life.
In October 2025, Mark was let go from his first job out of college, just five months after moving to Chicago. Rather than let that setback define him, he decided to use the time to focus on his health.
That’s when he discovered running.
🏃 Mark started with runs along Chicago’s lakefront. Before long, those casual runs turned into a half marathon, and eventually, a goal he never expected when he first started: the Chicago Marathon.
When Gerry’s Cafe had marathon bibs available, Mark jumped at the opportunity. At first, he didn’t know much about Gerry’s, but after learning more about our mission, he knew he had found a cause worth running for.
💙 “It’s a great personal challenge to push yourself outside of your comfort zone while helping others along the way!”
Today, Mark is training for 26.2 miles while helping Gerry’s Cafe continue its mission of providing meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What started as a way to get in shape has become something much bigger, a personal challenge, a new passion, and a way to make a difference.
Help cheer Mark on and support his Chicago Marathon journey! 👇
🔗 Donate Now:
https://loom.ly/vPbi9ZQ
Thank you, Mark, for turning a tough moment into forward momentum and bringing Gerry’s Cafe along for the run! 💙
