Jul 25, 2024
Team Black Girls RUN! x Chicago 2024
Black Girls RUN! is excited to be the official charity for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13, 2024. We have chosen five amazing women to receive our charity bibs for next year’s marathon. #TeamBlackGirlsRUN Please meet these amazing women, support them in their fundraising efforts, and follow them on their journey to the finish line!
Brendetta Caldwell
Hi! My name is Brendetta Caldwell, and I am 44 years young. I reside in Fort Mill, SC (Hometown Lancaster, SC). I am the proud mother of 2 awesome grown people. Our life is centered around Peace and Love.
There was a time where I weighed 200lbs+. I decided to break the generational curse of being overweight. I started working out in 2004. Running was NOT part of my fitness. In 2012 I came across a group of women that looked like me running in Charlotte, NC. From that day forward I have been on the pavement with Black Girls RUN! (BGR!). My current position is a BGR! Run Coordinator. Running not only helps me physically but also mentally. It has brought so many wonderful people and adventures into my life as well as given me the confidence and courage to do other things I never would have imagined.
I applied for the Chicago Marathon for the first time ever in 2020, and I was accepted. Little did I know C19 would ruin it for everyone, and the race was canceled. So here I am trying to accomplish this goal again. This time going back to where I started and supporting my foundation: BLACK GIRLS RUN!.
I have completed 3 marathons (#4 in Dec 2023), numerous half marathons (my specialty), multiple 5ks -15ks, 2 triathlons (learned to swim), and 10 Spartans (3 trifectas). I am an international runner which has expanded my travel life.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendettal.caldwell.5
Saundra Johnson
My love of God and family is my top priority. Besides running, I have a passion for all things community service and spend a lot of time advocating for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
A running guru and extraordinaire I am not, but I have learned that even through the ebbs and flows, love and hate of running, I truly am enjoying the journey. My love for running started in 2013 when I relocated to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. I joined Black Girls RUN! Hampton Roads in 2015 after observing from afar. Yes, 2 years of observing before my first 3 miles and 5am Thursday morning group run in Suffolk, VA. Prior to that, my only long-distance running came as an Army requirement or as part of a cardio regimen during my shotput and discus days in high school and college.
A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an Army Veteran and the very proud mother of 2 amazing adult children: a son who is a 2 time Gatorade award winner for track and field (2009 & 2010) for the state of Maryland, a division 1 college football athlete and 2014 graduate of James Madison University; and a daughter who is a rock star cheer guru, coach, the founder of a collegiate stomp and shake cheer team and a 2022 graduate of Old Dominion University. I hold a BA in Spanish from Shepherd University and a MA in Humanities from Old Dominion University. In my full time career, I am the Talent Acquisition Manager for Titan America.
Through the years I learned a few things about my own run journey (because no 2 journeys are the same). Embrace the fellowships, I am my only component, running shoes should be retired after too many miles, giving my body rest is a requirement, embrace the small wins, everyone who finishes the race will get a medal, and remember to make sure that my form looks good for the camera. With several races under my belt from 5ks to half marathons, the Chicago Marathon will be my first full marathon, and I am eager for this new journey and lifetime experience.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sauny869
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saundra.harvey
Jenna Lowery
I’m Jenna Lowery, born and raised in Jersey, but repping BGR! Charlotte. I have been an active member of BGR! since about 2017, and I currently represent as a Run Coordinator and an Ambassador for BGR! Charlotte. As an athlete growing up playing soccer, softball, and track & field, I have always maintained my push for competition and being physically active. I have found such a love for running as an adult not only to be healthy (physically and mentally) and a good example for younger girls, but also to challenge myself along the way. I have enjoyed being a coach and role model with the Girls on the Run organization for the past 3 seasons to encourage the next generation of girls to make healthy choices (physically and mentally) and to live an active lifestyle. I don’t do many official races because my family stays busy, but I enjoy pushing myself in pace or distance, and recently I’ve enjoyed learning to not push myself and use my pavement time more therapeutically.
Outside of the pavement, I enjoy spending time with my family being out and about and also being at home. I love watching my daughter’s love for sports grow. I love my career working as a pediatric occupational therapist! It is so therapeutic and rewarding to me to see my kiddos make big and small gains and celebrate them along the way. They could have so many obstacles in their way, but they continue to grow and flourish and defy the limitations that individuals have put on them.
In all areas of my life I hold tight to a few common themes: To lead by example, remember that iron sharpens iron, and that someone else’s destiny is dependent on you living out your God given purpose. BGR! is truly a piece of my heart and passion that also aligns with these themes. I am truly honored to have been selected as a BGR! representative and raise money towards the charity in the Chicago Marathon 2024!!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kylasmom914
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.anderson.334
Maria B. Stanfield
“Overjoyed is a great description on how I feel to be able to run at this juncture in my life.”
Maria B. Stanfield is one of a very small number of runners who continues to run in spite of having a prosthetic hip and multiple bone mobility diagnosis. She gives credit to her ability to continue to run to her relationship with God and mental toughness. Maria is a mother of two adult children Warren III and Anita and married for over twenty-seven years to Warren Stanfield Jr.
She is a passionate servant leader who is a clinical psychologist, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and an advocate for multiple social justice issues including health equity, civil rights, and equality for all. Her goal is always to speak to the plight and needs of the least of these and never to forget her humble beginnings as they have served to help develop her into who she is today. This will be Maria’s first marathon and her goal is to do one thing: Finish. She is a proud native Detroiter, board member of Black Girls RUN! Jr. and ambassador for Black Girls RUN! Detroit.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/my_sisters_keypers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070193674963
Lisa Wells
Lisa is originally from Los Angeles, CA. After raising two sons and successfully getting them to college, she accepted a position in Houston,Texas. During the pandemic, she discovered her passion for running and was introduced to Black Girls RUN! She was invited to be a run coordinator within a few months and soon after she was encouraged to become an ambassador. During this time, Lisa had been responsible for many of the community partnerships, creative events, and run series.
In 2022, Lisa was featured by ABC13 as she prepared for the Aramco Half Marathon and ran it in her late mother’s honor who passed away at age 50 from lymphoma. The segment also highlighted Lisa’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and how she has been determined not to allow that to stop her. Lisa believes that running has helped to combat some of the symptoms. With five half marathons and by the time you’re reading this one full marathon under her belt, Lisa is extremely excited about representing BGR! Foundation in Chicago.
Lisa will be running in honor of her two sons, Jonathan and Jordan Kilson, and her one and only grandson, Kairo, who is two years old.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.kilson
Tamara Dias
Tamara Dias is a native of Richmond, VA and is constantly surprised with each race she completes – after vowing to “never run unless being chased” for years. Her first race was a small 5K that she trained for using the Couch to 5K app in 2012. While thinking that would be the farthest she’d run, Tamara continued her journey with more 5Ks, a 10K, and her first half marathon in 2014. She completed her sixth half marathon, and her personal best, in 2023 at the Richmond Half Marathon. The Chicago Marathon will be Tamara’s first time completing 26.2 miles.
Tamara runs with Black Girls RUN! Richmond as well as Prolyfyck Run Creww. She loves the community and support that comes when running with a group. When she’s not running, Tamara enjoys supporting women in reaching their financial goals as the Founder and Visionary of Good Soil Education. She’s an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Junior League, and a board member of the Virginia African American Advisory Board.
Tamara is a two-time graduate of the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) and an alumna of Morgan State University. She’s excited to run the Chicago Marathon with BGR! and to support a cause that has inspired her running journey.
Tamara’s Fundraising Page: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/tamara-dias
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamara.wilkerson.1/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtamarawdias/
Jenine Fitzpatrick
This is such an honor to help raise money for the BGR! Foundation. I have been hitting the pavement for over 15 years as part of my health journey. Black Girls RUN! St. Louis gives me the opportunity to run and socialize with other ladies who also place health at the top of their priority list. I enjoy being a run coordinator as I hear about so many others who, like me, are making a difference in their life one step at a time.
I started my health journey overweight, stressed and many health issues. I started out with just walking and found that was the dose of daily medicine I needed. To date, I have completed many races, 5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks and half marathons. I continue to set goals and make my health a priority. A few years ago, I added swimming and biking to my health journey. This year I will complete my first triathlon. I am so excited to also state that I will complete my first marathon, the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, this year as well.
Jenine’s Fundraising Page: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/jenine-fitzpatrick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenine.fitzpatrick/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenine.fitz
LeJeune Johnson
Hello, I’m LeJeune Johnson—a wife, a mom, and an enthusiastic advocate for health equity. It is with great excitement that I share my journey as a participant selected for an invitational entry to represent the Black Girls RUN! Foundation charity team at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
For over a decade, physical health and fitness have been integral to my life, not only for my physical well-being but also for the positive impact on my mental health.
Regrettably, we find ourselves in an era where Black individuals face heightened risks of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues. Black women experience elevated rates of mortality from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. Moreover, they face a disproportionate risk of pregnancy-related complications. The roots of health disparities within the Black community are intricate, stemming from factors like socioeconomic status, limited healthcare access, systemic racism, discrimination, and historical inequalities.
Addressing these deep-seated issues requires comprehensive efforts in healthcare reform, social policies, education, and community engagement to foster equity and eliminate barriers to health for all. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle stands out as one of the fundamental protective factors at the grassroots level, enhancing overall well-being.
I take pride in running on behalf of Black Girls RUN!, championing a platform that encourages Black women to prioritize their well-being. Together, we run for self-care, for mental health, and for improved health outcomes not just for ourselves but for the well-being of future generations. Join me in supporting this cause, as we strive for a healthier and more equitable future.
LeJeune’s Fundraising Page: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/lejeune-johnson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lejeune.johnson/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeunie_b
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Jeuniebeefit
Brazand Robinson-Thomas
Greetings! My name is Brazand R. Thomas. I joined BGR! Columbia in September of 2021 at 48 years young. My last time running was back in the early 90’s in high school. I never could have imagined that my first BGR! meet up would lead to running 25-30 miles a week, monthly 5ks, 10ks, 10 miles and now even multiple ½ marathons in the last 2 years. I am the proud mother of three young men, a BGR! Run Coordinator , Ambassador and unofficial BGR! Columbia photographer.
Running has become my quiet time. I shut off the world and center my mind on my inner thoughts. Running has changed my body and helped me reach my fitness & health goals. Most importantly, I have been encouraged and motivated by the best running group on the pavement. I am excited to share my love of running to other women. I am honored to represent BGR! at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Brazand’s Fundraising Page: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/brazand-robinson-thomas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brazand.thomas
IG: https://www.instagram.com/_58blaze
Marie Castor
My name is Marie Castor, and I’m a wife, a mother of 3, and a grandmother of 1. I am a Registered Nurse currently working at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
I was introduced to BGR! by a friend from work in 2016. I was never a runner. I was born in Haiti, grew up playing volleyball, then moved to this country 30 years ago. I always had a gym membership, but something about running got me hooked.
The more I showed up with my running group the more comfortable I felt, and the group became family. Back then, I could barely go for a fast walk, and the “Walk Before You Run Program” was a great start. Looking back, I’m so grateful that I found this community, and the connection with my BGR! sisters guided me through my first official 5k at Niagara Falls and many half marathons that followed.
Running a full marathon was a distant goal that I did not expect to come this year. I’m excited and ready to embrace the challenge. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent BGR!, and I’m grateful to raise money for such a great organization.
Marie’s Fundraising Page: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/marie-castor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marie.castor