Christopher Pilla, age 49 – “Marathon Man”

Chris is the Director of Human Resources for Somerset Tire Service, Inc in New Jersey.  He has been involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 1999 when he completed the Chicago Marathon as a participant with Team In Training.

Since 1999, Chris has been involved with LLS in many different aspects.  He started a very successful partnership with Burlington Coat Factory to raise money for the Light The Night Campaign, which has brought in more than $9 million since 2002.  He was a Team in Training Run Coach for 10 years and he served on the National LLS Board for 6 years.  He still continues his involvement on the board at a local level.

His accomplishments on an athletic level amaze his teammates.  Chris has completed 68 full marathons, countless half marathons, six 150 mile cycle events, 2 Half Irons and many more shorter distance races.  While he may be one of the more experienced endurance athletes on the team, this will be Chris’ first Ironman event.  Chris knows that balancing his life, training, and his first child’s arrival in December will be a daunting task but he is motivated by the mission of LLS to take it on.  He has always wanted to do an Ironman but was too afraid to go it alone, as a part of this tight knit team with a greater goal, he knew it was time.  “I do this simply…because I am healthy enough to do so and in doing so, I may spread the word as an advocate for the LLS.”

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