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Manoaj's First
Marathon(s?)
2026 Two Marathon Challenge

Pushing Limits in Two Historic Cities

I am running the marathon for the first time ever!

This year, I am committing to running both the prestigious Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the legendary TCS New York City Marathon. Help me as I seek to fundraise on behalf of Open Heart Magic so that I can transform the hospital experience and help bring laughter, confidence, and hope to kids in hospitals.

Countdown to Chicago Sun, Oct 11, 2026
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Manoaj at the 2024 HiTops Princeton Half Marathon

Why This Matters

Special thanks to Open Heart Magic for providing me with the opportunity to run this year's Chicago Marathon, which will be my first ever marathon. I have also secured a bib for the 2026 NYC Marathon by completing the vaunted NYRR 9+1 program in 2025. I am considering this to be one combined training block, and therefore am also considering this to be a fundraising effort to represent my first ever marathon efforts. I am proud to run this year on behalf of Open Heart Magic.

Throwback photo of Manoaj doing cross country

Make It Fun & Interactive

So many of you have cheered me on and helped me get to where I am right now. I would love for this process to be fun and involved, and I'm open to the possibility of creative challenges/recognition as a part of this process, such as running X miles in honor of you (or a cause important to you) or maybe even trying to get me to eat as many cookies as possible in one sitting. Whether it's your ability to contribute financially, words of encouragement, or anything else to keep me going, I'm grateful for you every step of the way.

Manoaj at the 2025 United NYC Half with friends

Best Times

My best times are as follows:
  • Running with friends
  • Setting an ambitious goal and working towards it
  • Seeing and helping everyone succeed
  • When there is a food/dessert incentive awaiting me

I've recorded some performances that I'm proud of, and here's to continuing to push myself to new heights.

Official Major Race Profiles

Tier Classification World Marathon Major
Elevation Profile ~243 ft (Flat / Fast)
Total Participants ~50,000 Athletes
Official Website chicagomarathon.com
Stylized Course Loop Schematic Lake Michigan Grant Park (Start/Finish) North Side (Lakeview) West Loop Pilsen South Side (Bronzeville) View Official Map (PDF)
Tier Classification World Marathon Major
Elevation Profile ~818 ft (Bridges & Hills)
Total Participants ~55,000 Athletes
Official Website nyrr.org
Stylized 5-Borough Course Route Staten Island (Start) Central Park Finish Brooklyn Queens Manhattan Bronx View Official Map (PDF)

Recent Contributions

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