Sustainability and Social Impact Award
The Sustainability and Social Impact Award was introduced in 2023 and is presented annually to a volunteer or volunteer group who embodies our commitment to uplifting both people and planet and recognizes those who have made meaningful contributions to the Chicago Distance Series and the communities our events impact through their ongoing dedication in advancing sustainability and social responsibility.
2025 Recipient | Allison Yates
We’re excited to announce Allison Yates as the 2025 recipient of the Sustainability and Social Impact Award. Allison is the Founder of Read & Run Chicago, an organization that offers guided runs/walks taking participants on a journey exploring Chicago through the lens of a local books and local authors. Her work advances inclusion and social responsibility by validating lived experiences, acknowledging difficult history, and centering the stories of everyday Chicagoans–all while creating a welcoming and wholesome community for runners, walkers, readers and all! In addition to her work with Read & Run, Allison has also participated in Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Plogging events and has volunteered and recruited volunteers for CEM’s Course Flyering Program. This year, she took on the leadership and recruitment for Zone 1 Course Flyering in Lakeview which is the most challenging area due to the dense neighborhood populations and parked cars on the streets.
2024 Recipient | Pablo Hernandez
We’re excited to announce Pablo Hernandez as the 2024 recipient of the Sustainability and Social Impact Award. From running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon multiple times to giving back to the events we produce through his many years of volunteering, Pablo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the running community. We have worked to embed environmental best practices throughout our events, and with every change, he’s risen to the occasion and implemented them flawlessly. Beyond his impact on sustainability, Pablo’s work within the Latinx running community has helped to transform the landscape of representation and inclusivity in Chicago. Founding the Venados Running Club back in 1981, Pablo created a space for Latino runners to come together in a sport traditionally dominated by other groups. His efforts fostered a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for other Latinos, removing barriers and creating community bonds. Pablo embodies the core values of the Sustainability and Social Impact Award, inspiring meaningful change for people and the planet.
2023 Recipient | Kristen Turgeon
We’re excited to announce Kristen Turgeon as the first recipient of the Sustainable Impact Award. As a science teacher at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, and the sponsor of the Von Steuben Environmental Club, Kristen has supported our event’s sustainability efforts since 2017. In the face of challenges, Kristen has displayed exceptional leadership by overseeing a group of 60+ student volunteers. Kristen consistently leads the largest Green Team volunteer group at our events, and her dedication to her students and the environment shines through in the enthusiastic and committed student volunteers she brings.