Special Children’s Charities Chicago Marathon Running Team Breaks all Previous Fundraising Records

The Special Children’s Charities (SCC) Chicago Marathon running team shattered all fundraising records for the organization at the 2026 event last Sunday by raising more than $800,000. The 300-person team, the largest in SCC’s history, included two runners with intellectual disabilities.

Members of the SCC running team had the ability to take part in a variety of benefits, including a post-race party at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant and discounted programs through Chicago Endurance Sports.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Chicago Marathon SCC running team by visiting specialchildrescharities.org

All money raised from the Chicago Marathon is used to provide life enriching programs for more than 6000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through 250 parks, schools, and community organizations in all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. 70% of all adults and children live in low-income neighborhoods.

SCC was born in the city of Chicago in 1969, and since that time has become the leading funder of the Special Recreation program in the Chicago Park District, and Art and Music Therapy in Chicago Public Schools. In addition, SCC funds year-round programming, activities, field trips, and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as nine year-round intra-mural programs that serve approximately 2500 participants per week; Young Athletes program; Adventure Club; Sailing Camp; Golden Games; Alpine Ski; and a summer kickball league.