Julia

“Running gave me back my hope—and the strength to fight for my life. It’s the one time I truly feel like myself, when I can finally breathe and relax. Now, I run with purpose. I have a reason to keep going: I want to complete the Marathon Majors.

But during the 2023 Chicago Marathon, everything changed. I crossed the halfway mark, smiling and soaking it all in—when a spectator suddenly approached me from the sidewalk. He started saying strange things, then grabbed my arms, dragged me off the course, touched me, and forcefully kissed me. I dropped to the ground. I couldn’t breathe.

Thankfully, another runner saw what happened and stayed with me for the rest of the race. I finished—but ever since then, running feels heavy. I carry self-defense tools on every run. I made a police report. I’ve since been diagnosed with another PTSD.

That moment shattered something in me. And yet—I’m still running. Still fighting. Because we have to talk about this. These things happen—even at major races, with thousands of people around.

Safety matters. Our stories matter. And I want to help. If I can use my voice to raise awareness, to protect even one other woman, then this pain won’t be for nothing.” - Julia