Sparked by a close friendship that started in South Africa 24 years ago, the Martin Engineering team recently turned aspiration into a worthy cause.
Six employees and family members from global bulk handling solutions provider spent months of training and discipline to prepare for the 2024 Chicago Marathon to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“The idea started at dinner last year with our business unit in South Africa, where I was talking to one of our supervisors, Jack Selomo,” Martin Engineering chief executive officer Robert Nogaj said.
“He mentioned that he used to run ultra-marathons with Alan Highton (Martin Engineering national sales manager) and that he dreamed of someday running the prestigious Chicago Marathon.
“It was such a compelling story between two important members of the Martin family that I knew we had to make it happen, so when I asked if anyone else would like to participate, four more people enthusiastically jumped at the chance.”
With nearly 52,000 runners, the famous Chicago Marathon starts in Millenium Park, snakes past some of the ‘Windy City’s’ most iconic landmarks and ends in Grant Park.
One of the largest marathons in the world, participants were this year cheered on by an estimated 1.8 million spectators.
After Nogaj put out the call for participants to join Highton and Selomo, a few brave souls raised their hands, all of whom live in Illinois near the Neponset headquarters, including director of conveyor and wear components Chris Schmelzer.
receive their medals for finishing the race. Image: Martin Engineering
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a great cause to run for,” Schmelzer said.
“The researchers and doctors there are world class and turn laboratory breakthroughs into treatments for childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.
“They then provide these lifesaving treatments to families at no cost, which has an incredible impact.”
Martin Engineering chair Ed Peterson has invited the company’s partners and customers to join in the 2025 Chicago Marathon where the company will be hosting events and celebrating a good cause.
If your company has runners who wish to participate, reach out at www.martin-eng.com or talk to your Martin Engineering representative.
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