Jacky Hunt-Broersma, world renown American amputee ultramarathon runner and cancer survivor from Arizona will join an incredible line up of athletes at the launch of Run Show Chicago set to take place on June 4-5 at the DES Convention Center. Hunt-Broersma will join Olympic athlete, Carl Lewis, running royalty, Gary Robbins, ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, Mirna Valerio aka The Mirnavator, and professional ultra-mountain runner, Sally McRae, as they share their experiences, advice, and incredible feats to inspire and motivate Chicago’s running community.
Best known for breaking the Guinness World Record for running most consecutive marathons, Hunt-Broersma achieved an incredible 104 marathons in 104 days and yet only took up running in 2016. Quickly progressing from 5-kilometre races to winning ultra-marathons: 42 kilometres (26 miles), Hunt-Broersma ran 4399 kilometres (2,734 miles) with a running blade after losing her leg and surviving bone cancer at the age of 26. Racking up the distance across 104 days including the infamous para-athletics division of the 2022 Boston Marathon, local trails, and her home treadmill, Hunt-Broersma remarkably remained injury-free with a strict routine to stretch, ice, and foam roll her leg daily.
Determined to break the record held by British runner, Kate Jayden, of 101 marathons, Hunt-Broersma continued the gruelling path through April to achieve 104 runs, with mental strength and significant physical toll. And whilst running, she shared the immense journey on social media, raising $88,000 for Amputee Blade Runners, a not-for-profit organisation to help other amputees.
When asked about joining the show line up, Hunt-Broersma commented: “I can’t wait to be at the show to share my story and inspire others to use running to reach new goals for better mental and physic
al health. I passionately believe we are always capable of doing more and goal setting should be challenging – whether that’s 5km or a marathon! I will be sharing my experience at the show and answering questions and meeting other runners in Chicago!”
The Show, the first in a series of three Run Show USA events, is set to bring the Chicago running community together for a day of unrivalled running inspirations and retail including incredible brands from Chicago retail giant Fleet Feet as well as Coros, Garmin, Asics, Xero Shoes, Altra and HOKA ONE ONE. The Show will provide a one-stop-shop, meeting every need a runner may have, from sneakers of all varieties to apparel, nutrition and hydration products, to recovery and cross training.
Visitors will have access to a host of features, giving runners of all abilities and disciplines direct access to experts and professionals across the board. Features include a Drug Free Pain Relief Zone, Run Clinic, Strength Training Zone, Coach’s Corner, Events Village, Sports Movement Screening Clinic, Deka Fitness Zone, and a Bra Fitting Bar.
Tickets cost just $15 for a weekend pass. Find out more about the event and register to attend at https://thebostonrunshow.com/chicago/