As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, in 2026 we are highlighting athletes with disabilities who have reshaped sport through excellence and determination. This week, we’re celebrating Tatyana McFadden, one of the most accomplished wheelchair racers of all time.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by @pncbank, we’re celebrating Molly Seidel, one of the most inspiring marathoners in American running!

As a part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, we’re spotlighting Emma Coburn, one of the greatest steeplechasers in U.S. history. Emma is a world champion, world silver medalist, Olympic bronze medalist, and a three-time Olympian in the 3000m steeplechase!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, we’re spotlighting Lauren Doerr a powerhouse sprinter from Morton, IL. A former Illinois Female Track Athlete of the Year, Lauren was a state champion in the 100m and 200m at Morton High School, where she also set school records in both events plus the long jump. Now at Butler, she’s continued to shine, posting personal bests like 7.73 in the 60m and 12.13 in the 100m, anchoring winning relays, and earning Big East Weekly Honor Roll recognition.

As a part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, we’re spotlighting Kara Goucher, one of America’s most versatile and accomplished distance runners. A three-time NCAA champion at the University of Colorado, Kara launched into the professional scene with fearless momentum, earning a silver medal in the 10,000m at the 2007 World Championships, making her the first American woman in history to medal in that event.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, we’re spotlighting one of the most decorated athletes in Bradley University and Missouri Valley Conference history — Mary Ellen Hill-Schupbach!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC Bank, we’re honoring Wilma Rudolph, a true sprinting sensation who turned resilience into record-breaking speed.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring Constantina Diță, a Romanian distance running star who proved that perseverance and endurance can lead to Olympic glory., a Romanian distance running star who proved that perseverance and endurance can lead to Olympic glory.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring Maggie Carroll-Butterfield: a standout runner whose talent and consistency made her a force on the cross country course and the track.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring Grete Waitz, a marathon legend who redefined what was possible on the roads.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are celebrating Bethany (McCoy) Carr, also known as “The Machine” for the way she tore up the course and the track!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we are honoring Sara Hall! One of the most accomplished distance runners in American history!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we are honoring Cambria Geyer a powerhouse hurdler from Tremont IL who has been leaving her mark on the track

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC Bank we are honoring the queen of American distance running Deena Kastor.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we honor Illini sprinter Ranaisha Howard-Dunnigan. She set new personal bests this season in the 60m 200m and 100m and was a two time sectional and conference champion plus a state runner up in high school. Representing Illinois with pride she is one to watch.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC bank we honor Florence Griffith Joyner the fastest woman in history. Known as FloJo she brought unmatched speed and unforgettable style to the track setting world records in the 100m and 200m that still stand today. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics she dominated with three gold medals and one silver becoming a global icon and forever changing the sport.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC, we honor LaDaisha Steen-Yates, a Peoria standout whose sprinting career shined from Richwoods High School to Illinois State. At ISU, she posted top-five finishes in the 60m and 200m, set a meet record at the Top Times Titan Open, and broke 12 seconds in the 100m. A state finalist and record holder in high school, LaDaisha’s dedication and drive have defined her journey. Here’s to LaDaisha—a true Triumph of Women in Running.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC honors Gabrielle Thomas, one of the fastest women in the world. She made history at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials with a 21.61 in the 200m—the second-fastest time ever—before winning Olympic bronze in the 200m and silver in the 4x100m relay. In 2023, she added World Championship gold in the 4x100m and silver in the 200m, proving her dominance on every stage. From Ivy League tracks to Olympic finals, Gabrielle continues to inspire as a true Triumph of Women in Running.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC, we honor Peoria’s own Seven Hicks! From Richwoods High School state titles to breaking records at Nebraska, Seven’s sprinting career is fueled by grit and growth. In 2025, she set a Prairie Wolf Invitational meet record in the 60m, posted a blazing 24.20 in the 200m, and shined at the Drake Relays. More than her fast times, Seven’s persistence and pride continue to inspire athletes in Peoria and beyond.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC features Molly Huddle! One of the most decorated distance runners in U.S. history, Molly is a two-time Olympian and American record-holder in the 10,000m, 20K, and half marathon. A 10-time All-American at Notre Dame, she’s since earned 28 national titles and became the first American woman to break 1:08 in the half. Beyond racing, Molly is a powerful advocate for women in sport and athlete empowerment. We’re honored to celebrate this true icon of American distance running!