For as long as he can remember, Chad has loved running—a passion ignited early by his father’s own dedication to the sport. He can still picture his dad, tying worn-out shoelaces and stretching in the dim glow of the kitchen, before stepping out the door and heading down the street.
Watching his father take those strides, venturing into the unknown and pushing his body’s limits, captivated Chad from an early age. A high school hurdler and collegiate athlete, his dad is still running strong at 62.
Growing up in Saco, Chad joined the Saco Bay Striders, fully immersing himself in the local running scene. But it wasn’t until he ran his first marathon more than a decade ago that he truly felt the rush of pushing his body to its limits. It was a feeling his father had known well. And now, it was Chad’s turn to experience it for himself.
Chad loves running through Portland’s peninsulas, timing his runs to chase the warmth of the sun. Long runs are his favorite, offering a chance to explore the quieter, hidden gems of the city. Whether it's running along Back Cove with a city view or checking out the lighthouses in South Portland, each route holds a unique charm.
For Chad, running is in many ways a reminder of what it feels like to be truly alive, especially when pushing through the hardest moments. What started as a personal hobby has evolved into a mission to ensure others had the same opportunities he's had.
After years of running and competing in local and national marathons, Chad began to set his sights on a bigger goal: to run all seven World Marathon Majors.
So far, Chad has completed four in total: Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Berlin. Each race left a lasting impact and shaped not only his running career but his understanding of himself.
Boston was the pinnacle, the moment when years of hard work and dedication finally paid off. It was a dream realized, a turning point. The streets of New York were electrifying. Chicago impressed Chad with its smooth organization and camaraderie. And running beneath Berlin’s stunning skyline was life changing. Hearing cheers in all languages, he explained, was a wonderful reminder that running is a universal bond that supersedes the barrier of language and connects people from across the globe.
In April, Chad is set to participate in his fifth World Marathon Major in London, while raising funds for Autism Speaks, a cause close to his heart. Growing up, Chad saw the challenges faced by loved ones with autism, including his best friend's brother and cousin.These experiences highlighted the need for better resources and support. Since November, he’s worked to raise $7,500 and has already surpassed half of that goal.
Chad is so close to reaching his fundraising goal for Autism Speaks, but with the March 3rd deadline approaching, he still needs your help! Every donation brings him one step closer to making a big impact. If you'd like to learn more or make a donation directly,
click here!
