HR0825 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0825 LRB103 40842 ECR 73775 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Grace Wasielewski on the occasion of her placing first for women in her age group at the 2024 London Marathon; and

WHEREAS, Grace Wasielewski placed first in women aged 70 to 74 years old at the London Marathon on April 21, 2024, finishing with a time of 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 3 seconds; and

WHEREAS, Grace Wasielewski is currently ranked number one in the world for women in her age group; her latest victory marks her fifth age group career win at a World Major Marathon, with her previous successes occurring at the 2010 and 2013 Chicago Marathons, the 2018 New York Marathon, and the 2019 Boston Marathon; and

WHEREAS, Grace Wasielewski started running recreationally with her friends in her 30s before deciding to run the Chicago Marathon on a whim; over the course of her running career, she has completed over 100 marathons, including attaining sub-four hour marathon finishes in every U.S. state, being named the fastest female finisher at the Prince of Wales Island Alaska Marathon in 2015, and winning the Female Senior Grandmaster category at the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) National 10 Mile Championship in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Grace Wasielewski is a longtime member of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), an organization that administers the CARA Chicago Racing Circuit, which is a series of 15 of the most competitive races around the Chicago area; she has won her age group on the CARA circuit almost every year since 2008, excluding placing second in 2021, and she was inducted into the CARA Hall of Fame in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Grace Wasielewski, a resident of Prospect Heights, runs with the Schaumburg-based Fast Track racing team, a 200-member group of runners of all paces and abilities; she has served as a leader of the team since 2009, and she currently serves as treasurer and a pace group leader; and

WHEREAS Grace Wasielewski is an inspiration to many, serving as an great example that consistent hard work can make it possible to become a champion at any age; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Grace Wasielewski on placing first for women in her age group of 70 to 74 years old at the 2024 London Marathon, commend her for incredible accomplishments in the field of competitive running, and wish her continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Grace Wasielewski as a symbol of our esteem and respect.