The Miles Have Taken Me Further Than I Ever Imagined

OP-Ed

The Miles Have Taken Me Further Than I Ever Imagined

By Darrell Bonner Jr., as told to Danielle Stanley

Somewhere along the 26.2 miles of the Sydney Marathon, thousands of miles away from home, I heard the voices I needed most.

My family had sent me a Rally voice message. Then I heard my daughter singing, “We love you, Daddy.”

I got emotional.

When you're running a marathon, there comes a point when your body is tired and your mind starts searching for a reason to keep pushing. Hearing my daughter’s voice reminded me of mine.

On August 30, 2026, I crossed the finish line of the Sydney Marathon in Australia, completing my second World Marathon Major. The medal meant a lot, but that message from home meant even more.

Because this journey really started with my family.

I grew up in Madden Park Homes in Bronzeville. Back then, I never imagined my own two feet would someday take me from Chicago to a marathon finish line on the other side of the world. I didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a marathoner. A few years ago, running wasn't part of my life.

But fatherhood changed the way I thought about my health. When my daughter was born five years ago, I started looking at myself differently. As a father of two—an adult son and a young daughter—I realized I didn't just want to provide for my family. I wanted to be present for the milestones ahead, enjoy life with the people I love and show my children what it looks like to prioritize your health.

At around 280 pounds, I knew I wanted to make a change.

So, in 2023, I started running.

There was no grand plan. I wasn't thinking about marathons, medals or Australia. I simply wanted to move more, become healthier and challenge myself.

One run became another. The distances got longer, I became more consistent, and eventually I found a community.

Through Chicago running groups like OnThe9, 7onSundays and track workouts with 7women_running, I found encouragement, accountability and people who reminded me that everybody, no matter how experienced, once had a first run.

Since 2023, I've gone from around 280 pounds to approximately 230. I've completed six half-marathons and two marathons. In October, I'll line up for marathon number three in Chicago.

I'm proud of those accomplishments, but the biggest transformation can't be measured by a scale, medal or finish time.

Running changed what I believe is possible for my life.

Something I didn't even begin until 2023 has taken me across the world. That's what I want my children to see. I don't need them to become runners. I want them to see that their father was willing to make a change, try something new and stay committed.

That's also the message I want other people—especially Black men who may have spent years putting work, family and other responsibilities ahead of their own health—to hear.

You don't have to run 26.2 miles. Walk around your neighborhood. Ride your bike. Join a free fitness group. Start with 10 minutes.

Just start somewhere.

Sydney wasn't one giant leap. It was hundreds of smaller decisions: getting out the door, showing up and training when I felt motivated and when I didn't.

Then, thousands of miles from Markham, I heard my little girl's voice: “We love you, Daddy.”

That moment brought everything together.

In October, I'll run my third marathon here at home in Chicago. When my legs get tired, I'll know exactly who I'm running for.

Running has taken me farther than I ever imagined. But my family gave me a reason to take the first step.

If someone sees themselves in my story, I hope they remember this: You don't have to know how far you can go before you begin.

Sometimes, you just have to take that first step.

You may surprise yourself with where it takes you.

About Darrell Bonner Jr. Darrell Bonner Jr. is a Markham resident, Chicago native, husband and father of two who grew

up in Madden Park Homes in Bronzeville. A truck driver and bowling league member, he began running in 2023 and has completed six half-marathons and two marathons, including two World Marathon Majors. He is a member of OnThe9 and 7onSundays and participates in track workouts with 7women_running.

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