This year’s award winner has been described as not just a good person, but as an aura and a vibe. He was described as being the entire Swifter experience wrapped up into one person: a kind-hearted and fun-loving human, who loves to run but doesn’t take himself too seriously, and wants everyone around him to enjoy themselves too. His positivity and humor is infectious, and he is always sharing his positive spirit with Swifters, both long-time members and new friends alike. 

If there’s a group outing, a Swifter race, or simply just laughing together on a Tuesday night, Mark is usually in the mix. He can be counted on for hosting a Scamper, coming up with other fun events, and always stays Swifty wearing our Swifter swag so we know his loyalty is tried and true. In fact, Mark has been described as being EVERYWHERE: he shows up to everything, signs up for everything, organizes everything, and does it with incredible joy and enthusiasm. And being everywhere is not just about his own experiences, it’s about being there for others. In fact, this story shared recently by another Swifter might just hit the nail on the head… they said the following: 

"I ran my first half marathon last year, and he was the only other Swifter at the race. I hadn’t met him at any Swifter events, but Sabrina had alerted him to my being there, and we found each other. He stayed until I finished, which was quite a bit after him, cheered me on at the finish, and took pictures. He didn’t have to stay or do any of that, but I know now that support like that is what this group is all about."

To us, that story encapsulates how Mark demonstrates being the Swiftiest Swifter. It’s about supporting your team even when your job is done. And even though he has moved further away, it could be expected and understood that he may not have time to attend as many events and we may not see him for long stretches of time. But not Mark - fortunately for us, there’s never a long period of time in between seeing his bright running shorts, drinking beers, and hearing the best dad jokes with this dude. And although he doesn’t take running too seriously, we’d like to acknowledge that having completed 82 half marathons is a serious accomplishment, and that means there’s only 18 left until his ultimate goal of 100 - something that many of us find admirable. And while you might know him on the socials as having two first names, he definitely has a first and a last name, and we’d like to add a few more words to it. Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Swiftiest Swifter, Marky Mark Richard Wegren! 

This year’s award winner is, as one Swifter called him, “a bedrock member who always shows up and loves the club.” To hear that people love the club is always personally fulfilling - I (Sabrina) created this club for our community - and the way that this Swifter loves the club is just like a rock: solid and to its core. This person is truly part of our foundation as a community. One Swifter said the following: “To me, the essence of the Swiftiest Swifter is someone whose presence you notice the absence of. When this Swifter is at a Swifter event, he always makes sure to come say hi and ask a genuine question about how I'm doing. When he's not there, I notice, because his presence adds such joy and kindness to everyone. I appreciate how genuinely happy he is for other people's accomplishments and how much he seems to truly care about others. He is always encouraging people toward their goals, whether they are related to running or not!” 

This truly is the bedrock of being in this club: caring for others, and this Swifter does this effortlessly. On a personal note, I (Sabrina) feel humbled that this Swifter came to the very first meet up in 2021, and has stuck around, like a rock, since then. Whether you need support for an upcoming run, a recommendation for the best parking space at Ravinia, or need to know the next film you should watch, this Swifter has got your back. He once said that being a part of the Swifters came at the right moment in his life when he needed people the most, and he was incredibly grateful for what the club gives him with encouragement, friendship, and love. Well, WE are grateful for you and love you, Milkman. It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year’s Swiftiest Swifter is Eric Litt!

As I (Sabrina) went through the nominations for this year’s award winner, I was struck by the amount of times that people mentioned the word community in connection with this year’s winner. Community truly is at the heart of what we do here, and this Swifter has become a strong fixture of our own community.  Author and poet John McCarthy has said that this person is always DOWN TO SWIFT and that they are not, in fact, a lightswitch - no one can turn them off.

Other Swifters have said that this Swifter is the definition of motivated, dedicated, and hard working. They use all they have gone through in life to drive them to run each day to the fullest - and with a lot of miles. Their energy to be a part of the Swifters is infectious, and their always give 100% attitude is inspiring. And, they truly have made Swifting a lifestyle, as their whole family has also become Swifters too. This Swifter is a friend to all, and spends time at all Swifter events creating memories with each person they meet. They have a compassionate heart, even raising money for charity as they train this summer and fall for the Chicago Marathon, while creating a Swifter swag item that all can enjoy. Their own journey with cancer has been an inspriation to all of us, and last year’s winner, Nora Rosenau, has said that to know this Swifter is an honor, and to be a Swifty teammate with him is a blessing - and I would have to agree. Please join me in congratulating this year’s Swiftiest Swifter Award Winner, Felix Estrada! 

The enthusiasm of the Swifters is matched by NO running club around, whether local or worldwide, and I know this because I’ve done the research. Not really but how could anyone top the Swifters?? But even within the Swifters, there is energy that stands out. This year’s Swiftiest Swifter Award recipient truly demonstrates what it means to be a Swifter: helpful, encouraging, and inclusive. People have said things about this person like “I love how they are so welcoming” and “their positive attitude is contagious!” Their infectious laugh and ability to listen is admired by all who get a chance to talk to this person, and although they live MILES and MILES away, they come to the Swifters as often as they can. Although we weren’t thrilled that we had to attend a baseball game in her state, she seamlessly planned our Cubs-Brewers event even though she was going through challenging times. When Mama Swifter needed a bit of theatrical support for reading my own journal entry, Terrence and Sean knew exactly who was up for the job. I have been so honored to have this person not only be part of our team, but also become a close friend. Please join me in congratulating the FIRST recipient of the Swiftiest Swifter Award, Nora Rosenau!