On October 11, Leah Connor will run the 2026 Chicago Marathon while attempting an official Guinness World Records title: Fastest marathon dressed as a traffic cone — female.

Yes. A traffic cone.

More specifically: She’ll be running 26.2 miles in a traffic cone costume named CONEY — complete with googly eyes & probably more visibility than good judgment.

While the costume is silly, the cause is serious.

Leah hopes to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) which funds childhood cancer research, raises awareness & supports families.

ALSF began with Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a child with cancer, who held her first lemonade stand to raise money to help other kids with cancer. Her simple, generous idea grew into a national movement for childhood cancer research & family support.

Leah has finished 10 Chicago Marathons & directed 11 Rivanna Greenbelt Marathons. She values her time spent with runners, volunteers & spectators. She appreciates the power of showing up together to make a difference. This record attempt feels like a very Leah version of doing something quirky, challenging & meaningful all at once.

To make the record count, Leah has to follow strict Guinness World Records rules: the costume must fully encase her body, extend below the knee, stay rigid, be instantly recognizable as a traffic cone & be worn for the entire marathon. She also needs official race results, photos, video & witness documentation.

That means this is not just “run Chicago in a funny costume.” It’s a full-on endurance, documentation, design & fundraising project.

Every donation gives this traffic cone a little more purpose. Your donation of $5 or more will help ALSF support children & families facing cancer & fund research for better treatments & cures.

Thank you for supporting Leah’s attempt to turn 26.2 miles of orange ridiculousness into something good.

Let’s make lemonade out of lemons — and turn a traffic cone into hope.