In the middle of the Chicago Marathon, where personal goals and physical endurance take center stage, one runner made a split-second decision that turned her race into something far more meaningful. Sarah Bohan, a participant running to support PAWS Chicago, a local animal rescue nonprofit, was on track for her best marathon time yet. But when she spotted a frightened kitten on the sidewalk, she didn’t hesitate to change course — literally and figuratively.
Stories of animal rescue often unfold in quiet neighborhoods, shelters, or emergency calls. Rarely do they intersect with the high-energy, fast-paced environment of a major city marathon. Yet that’s exactly what happened this past Sunday, as reported by The Dodo. Bohan, nearing the final stretch of the 26.2-mile race, noticed a small, fluffy cat crying on the sidewalk inside a tunnel. Despite being close to achieving a personal record, she stopped running. “I didn’t even think twice,” she said. “[I] scooped up the cat.”
That moment marked a shift in her priorities. No longer focused on marathon timing, Bohan slowed to a walk, cradling the kitten in her arms to keep him calm. The kitten’s well-being became her mission. “That cat became my responsibility,” she explained. “I needed to give it the love it deserved.” This act of compassion during a physically demanding event highlights the deep empathy that can emerge in the most unexpected situations.
Animal lovers often talk about the instinct to help, and Bohan’s actions reflect that sentiment clearly. As she walked with the kitten for nearly a mile, she drew the attention of spectators along the race route. Among them were individuals who, upon seeing the situation, offered to take the kitten and provide it with a loving home. “I didn’t know them,” Bohan said. “They just came forward and said they have cats of their own and will give this little baby love. I trusted them based on our very brief interaction.”
Trust plays a powerful role in moments like these. With no time to vet or verify, Bohan relied on her instincts and the kindness of strangers. She handed over the kitten and resumed her race, finishing the marathon not with a personal record, but with the knowledge that she had made a real difference. “I was just concerned about this cat’s well-being and was not going to run at all until I found it a home,” she later said.
It’s the kind of story that resonates far beyond the running community. For those passionate about animal rescue, it’s a reminder of how opportunities to help can appear at any moment — even during a marathon. And for those who value acts of everyday heroism, Bohan’s story is a testament to the impact of quick thinking and a caring heart.
PAWS Chicago, the organization Bohan was running for, later confirmed the happy ending. In a follow-up, they shared that the kitten had found a home and was settling in well. “Adopter found!” they posted. “We hear [the kitten] is settling into his new home and doing great!”
I found this detail striking: Bohan didn’t exchange contact information with the adopters. There was no follow-up plan, no assurance beyond a brief conversation. Yet the outcome was positive, underscoring the trust and goodwill that can still exist in spontaneous human interactions. In a world often marked by caution and hesitation, this story offers a refreshing glimpse of faith in others.
For those searching for uplifting stories of kindness, animal rescue inspiration, or examples of compassion under pressure, this moment from the Chicago Marathon delivers. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of personal goals and public events, there’s always room to choose empathy — and sometimes, that choice can change a life.
