As thousands of runners pounded the pavement at Sunday’s Chicago Marathon, one runner made headlines not for her speed—but for her heart.
Sarah Bohan, racing to raise money for PAWS Chicago, had been on track for a personal best in the grueling 26.2-mile event. But just as the finish line was in sight, her mission changed.
“I was running on the left side near the sidewalk, just entering a tunnel,” Bohan told The Dodo. “That’s when I saw him—a tiny, fluffy kitten, all alone and crying.”
The scared kitten was huddled on the sidewalk, clearly lost and frightened. Without a second thought, Bohan veered off course and scooped him into her arms.
“I didn’t even hesitate,” she said. “I knew I couldn’t leave him there.”
With the kitten clutched gently to her chest, Bohan slowed to a walk—sacrificing her race time to protect the little life now depending on her.
“That cat became my priority,” she said. “He needed comfort, and I was the one who could give it.”
For nearly a mile, she walked the race route cradling the kitten, hoping to find someone who could take him in. Her compassion didn’t go unnoticed. A group of spectators—fellow animal lovers—stepped forward, promising to care for the kitten and give him the loving home he deserved.
“I didn’t know them at all,” Bohan admitted. “But they told me they had cats of their own and would make sure this baby was safe and loved. I trusted them.”
With the kitten finally in good hands, Bohan returned to the race and crossed the finish line—her heart fuller than any medal could symbolize.
“I wasn’t thinking about the race anymore,” she said. “I just wanted to make sure that little one was okay.”
Though Bohan didn’t exchange contact info with the new caretakers, her story didn’t end there. PAWS Chicago later shared a joyful update: the kitten had been adopted and was thriving in his new home.
“Adopter found!” the group posted. “He’s safe, loved, and doing great!”
