“Being part of something bigger than yourself.” Those words have defined Anthony Rizzo’s entire life.

They guided him through cancer.

They carried him to World Series glory.

And now, they are leading him toward a challenge unlike anything he ever faced on a baseball field.

In a development that has Cubs fans across Chicago buzzing with admiration, former Chicago Cubs superstar Anthony Rizzo officially kicked off his marathon journey this week at Chicago’s annual Big Run event, marking the beginning of his preparation for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. What started as a simple community running event quickly became something much deeper—a powerful reminder that Rizzo’s greatest legacy may never be measured in home runs or Gold Gloves.

Instead, it may be measured in lives touched.

Hundreds of runners gathered along Chicago’s iconic lakefront as Rizzo joined participants for a three-mile run celebrating Global Running Day. For many, it was an opportunity to meet one of the most beloved figures in Cubs history. But for Rizzo, it represented the first official step toward a new personal mission.

The former first baseman, who helped end Chicago’s 108-year championship drought in 2016, is preparing to run his first-ever marathon this October. Yet this challenge is about far more than crossing a finish line.

It is about giving back.

Rizzo is running in support of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, the charitable organization he created to help children and families battling cancer. The cause is deeply personal. As a teenager, Rizzo fought Hodgkin lymphoma and emerged victorious after months of chemotherapy. That experience forever changed his perspective on life and transformed him into one of baseball’s most respected philanthropists.

For years, Cubs fans watched Rizzo play through pressure-packed postseason moments with unwavering determination. Now they are seeing that same competitive fire directed toward a different challenge.

And marathon training may prove every bit as demanding.

“Most people think of running as an individual sport,” Rizzo explained while discussing his motivation. “But it takes all of us pushing each other to the finish line to make something magical happen.”

Those words resonated deeply with the crowd.

After all, teamwork was always Rizzo’s trademark.

Whether he was diving into the stands for a foul ball, mentoring young teammates, or rallying the Cubs clubhouse during difficult stretches, Rizzo consistently placed collective success above personal accolades. That mentality appears unchanged even after retirement.

In fact, many fans believe this latest chapter perfectly captures who Anthony Rizzo has always been.

Baseball may have ended.

Leadership has not.

Chicago’s connection to Rizzo remains as strong as ever. Although years have passed since the magical 2016 World Series run, his impact on the city continues to endure. His return to participate in community events instantly draws attention, and social media erupted with excitement as photos and videos from The Big Run circulated online.

For some fans, seeing Rizzo in running gear rather than a Cubs uniform was surreal.

For others, it was inspiring.

Many former athletes struggle to find purpose after their playing careers conclude. Rizzo appears to be embracing that transition with remarkable clarity. Instead of fading from public view, he is using his platform to motivate others to become healthier, more active, and more engaged in charitable causes.

The marathon itself will undoubtedly be a challenge.

A 26.2-mile race requires months of disciplined preparation, physical sacrifice, and mental toughness. Even elite professional athletes from other sports often underestimate the demands of marathon running.

But if there is one thing Chicago knows about Anthony Rizzo, it is that he thrives when faced with difficult odds.

He defeated cancer.

He helped transform a losing franchise into champions.

He became one of the most beloved athletes in city history.

Now he is chasing another finish line.

What makes this story particularly powerful is that Rizzo is not running alone. More than two dozen participants associated with his foundation are expected to join the effort, raising awareness and funds for families navigating some of the toughest battles imaginable.

That collective mission perfectly reflects the values that have defined Rizzo’s career.

Community.

Compassion.

Perseverance.

The Big Run may have lasted only a few miles, but symbolically it represented something much larger. It was the beginning of a months-long journey that will culminate on the streets of Chicago this October, with thousands of spectators cheering and one familiar Cubs legend pushing himself toward a new achievement.

And perhaps that is what makes Anthony Rizzo so enduringly special.

The statistics tell one story.

The championships tell another.

But the moments that truly define him happen away from the spotlight—supporting sick children, uplifting families, and finding new ways to inspire people long after the final out has been recorded.

His baseball career may be over.

His impact on Chicago is not.

And as the road to the Chicago Marathon officially begins, one thing is already clear:

Anthony Rizzo’s next great victory may come far beyond the walls of Wrigley Field.