Hinsdale Resident Is Youngest Female Runner In Chicago Half Marathon

HINSDALE, IL — At age 12, Hinsdale resident Lindsey Bruns is the youngest female participant running in Chicago's Half Marathon on Sept. 24. Bruns was inspired by her mother, who ran in the Chicago Spring Half Marathon earlier this year, and she decided she wanted to train to run the Half Marathon too.

Bruns said she has done the Hinsdale Rotary Run every year since she was born. When she was younger, her mom would push her in a stroller. She worked her way through the rotary run, doing the 3k, the 5k, and last year, she participated in the 10k run.

"I decided to compete in a half marathon when I finished the 10k," Bruns said. "I really liked it, and wanted to keep going with distance running, so I stepped it up to a half marathon."

She said when her mom did the Chicago Half Marathon in the spring, they announced the youngest runner, who was 14.

"I thought it would be cool to be the youngest runner at a race," Bruns said.

As for Bruns' training, she has been doing long runs on the weekend with her mom, and has increased her mileage each week. Bruns is also a member of the cross country team at Hinsdale Middle School, and got third placed in conference competition last year.

Bruns also is on a year-round swim team at Hinsdale Swim Club, and has competed in triathlons with her sister Molly, a sophomore at Hinsdale Central.

"My goal is to complete the half marathon in two hours," Bruns said, adding she can't wait until the race on Sunday. After the race, the 12-year-old will try cryotherapy to aid in her recover from the run. There will be no rest for the weary though, as Bruns has a cross country conference meet on Monday after the half marathon.

Bruns said she is inspired by her mom, Elizabeth, who runs and competed in a half Ironman this past summer. Bruns added that her mom gave her technique tips for her training.

The 21st annual Chicago Half Marathon and 5k will be held Sunday, Sept. 24 in Chicago. The course winds around Hyde Park and the Museum of Science and Industry before making its way on to traffic-free Lake Shore Drive.

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