Applications to join 2026 Liver Life Challenge Chicago Marathon are now closed. If you are interested in future Liver Life Challenge events please fill out our Liver Life Challenge Interest Form.
About
American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) Liver Life Challenge is an official charity partner of the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and has a limited number of guaranteed entries available.
Liver Life Challenge is ALF’s official endurance program, where dedicated athletes from across the country use their passion and commitment to go the extra mile for the liver community.
Funds raised through the Liver Life Challenge benefit the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease through resources, education and support services and help advance our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and liver disease research. Together, we are moving closer to a world without liver disease.
Benefits to joining the team
- Training: Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner or a casual jogger, our training program will help make sure you cross the finish line.
- Fundraising Coaches: Our dedicated Events staff is eager to help you meet your fundraising goals and have experience helping hundreds of people like you.
- Team Gear: Every runner will receive an ALF singlet.
- Team Brunch: A special meet and greet brunch will be held for team members to connect and mingle with fellow teammates in-person before the big day.
- Race Day Resort: Provided by Chicago Endurance Sports (CES) – Enjoy race day hospitality, including food and drinks, private gear check, indoor restrooms, medal engraving, and more all right next to the start/finish line.
Challenge Chair
Challenge Chair
Meet the 2023 Five Boro Bike Tour Liver Life Challenge Chair, Jeffrey Doerr. Ten years ago, Jeffrey received a living liver donation from his friend, John. On May 7th, Jeffrey and John will ride through NYC together. Learn more about why this challenge means so much to Jeffrey.
Meet the 2024 Chicago Marathon Liver Life Challenge Chair, Gordon Scott. Four years ago, Gordon’s daughters were diagnosed with rare genetic liver diseases. Learn more about why this challenge means so much to Gordon.
Team Captain
Meet the 2026 Chicago Marathon Liver Life Challenge Team Captain, Jim O’Connell. Jim will participate in the Chicago Marathon as a member of Team ALF. He runs to honor his late father, who died of liver cancer. Learn more about why this challenge means so much to Jim.
Event Details
When: October 11, 2026
Where: Grant Park
Chicago, Illinois
Age Minimum: Open to ages 16+
Contact:
Sarah Miller
smiller@liverfoundation.org
646-737-9414
Fundraising Commitment:
Charity Runner: $2,500
I Have My Own Entry: $1,000
Participants are responsible for paying the registration fee to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the amount that they require.
Top Athletes
Learn More
Accept the Challenge
The Liver Life Challenge has teams in iconic races across the country such as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon
Meet our 2026 National LIVEr Champion
Priest, teacher, marathoner, and non directed living donor Damian Delaney shows what’s possible when compassion and endurance come together. After donating 60% of his liver to a stranger in 2018, he returned to distance running stronger than ever. This year, he’s running with American Liver Foundation’s Liver Life Challenge® Team ALF at the Boston Marathon to raise awareness about non directed living liver donation.
