Former North Union cross country runner, current assistant coach Emma Hayward competes during 2026 Chicago Marathon

By BOB PUTMAN

Emma Hayward, a North Union graduate and a current assistant coach on the North Union cross country team, was among the thousands of runners that participated in the recent Bank of American Chicago Marathon.

Hayward had previously run in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, but getting to run in one of more elite marathons was something special.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the six major marathons competed around the world, joining marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin and New York City.

Also, runners just cannot say they want to run in these marathons.

Based on her time in last year’s Columbus Mar…

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