On Wednesday, October 4, just days before the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, more than 50 aspiring runners from five West Side schools got the opportunity of a lifetime: two hours of hands-on running instruction and inspiration with Chicago running trailblazers and Olympians, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Treniere Moser, Kelita Hollins, and others. Hosted by Bank of America, the 2nd annual Play It Forward Running Clinic paired Girls on the Run Chicago participants with elite athletes to learn valuable skills, including stretching techniques, warm-ups, pacing strategies, and sportsmanship. Each participant walked away with a brand-new pair of Nike running shoes, helping to further reduce barriers to entry into the sport of running. The Play It Forward Clinic is an example of Bank of America’s commitment to creating access and opportunities for diverse people and communities through sports, which comes to life through its portfolio of iconic sports partnerships spanning baseball, golf, running, and more.

Photo Credit: Bank of America