Hero Spotlight: Vicky Kottemann
Vicky Kottemann’s introduction to Mercy Home Heroes came at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This was her fourth time traveling from her home in Louisiana to run in Chicago. She was chasing legacy status (given to those who complete five Chicago Marathons in a ten-year period) and completed that race while fundraising for another charity. Her decision to fundraise for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls last year stemmed from a simple desire for comfort – she disliked the uncomfortable shirt she received the previous year. “I saw y'all’s shirt and I was like, that looks like a way more comfortable shirt,” she said with a laugh.
Beyond the shirt, what really made her glad she became a Mercy Home Hero was seeing the impact of the fundraising firsthand. She fondly recalls the opportunity – as an out-of-state runner – to finally tour the Home the evening of the pre-race pasta dinner. Witnessing where the money was going, and then experiencing the joy of the kids cheering for the runners on race day, cemented her commitment.
Kottemann’s running adventures – and commitment to Mercy Home – didn’t stop in Chicago. Last month, she took on the United Airlines NYC Half as a Mercy Home Hero. “I’ve always wanted to run that race, and I heard it’s hard to get into,” she admitted. When the opportunity arose, she jumped at the chance. While she had heard about the race’s difficulty, nothing could quite prepare her for the hills. “The hills almost killed me. We don’t have hills down here,” she joked.
Despite the challenges, she found the experience exhilarating, especially running across the Brooklyn Bridge. Race organizers had announced in the days just prior to the race that delays in a construction project on the Manhattan Bridge forced them to reroute the course over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. This would be a first in New York City road racing history!
The course also includes Times Square—only one of two times that Times Square is closed to vehicular traffic (the other is New Years Eve). The city's energy, even during a half marathon, left a lasting impression.
“The spectators were amazing,” she said, noting that even though it wasn’t the full marathon, the race had incredible support from the crowd.
However, not all of Kottemann’s marathon stories are about running. One of the most difficult chapters in her life occurred a year ago, just as she was about to head off to the London Marathon, which was to be her fifth of the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors. A massive storm hit Southern Louisiana, causing a tornado that completely destroyed her home.
“The whole house had to be torn down,” she recalled, describing the terrifying experience as a tree crashed into her house, causing irreparable damage.
In the midst of this chaos, Kottemann had a marathon to run. “I’m still homeless either way, so I’m going to London, at least it’s a place to sleep” she said, underscoring her determination and the importance of pushing forward, no matter the circumstances.
Despite the devastation, she ran the London Marathon just 10 days after the disaster. “I had no energy, I had not slept in the previous 10 days... but I was like, ‘I’m going to do this,’” she said. It was a testament to her resilience – a skill that has carried her through both personal challenges and the physical demands of marathon running.
She candidly admitted that her entry into marathon running was unorthodox: “I went from couch to marathon.” Watching an episode of Real Housewives of New York, where one of the stars ran the marathon, sparked her interest. Although she discovered that the 2018 New York City Marathon was already sold out, after a brief Google search, she found a charity offering spots, and she was on the road to her first marathon.
Reflecting on the race, she fondly recalled how much tougher the New York course was compared to Chicago’s flatter terrain. “Chicago is a dream,” she laughed. “New York has all the bridges, and that was tough, but it was so worth it.”
Kottemann’s ultimate marathon goal? Boston. The last one needed to earn her Sixth Star for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. “I’m not fast enough for Boston,” she admitted. “But definitely next April, hell or high water, I’m gonna run the Boston Marathon.”
In the meantime, she’s looking forward to running Chicago again this year. And although she finally earned legacy, she’s still running as a Mercy Home Hero. She’s aiming to break her personal marathon record.
“My fastest marathon was in Chicago in 2019. I’d like to match that energy or beat it at some point,” she said.
At the same time, Kottemann knows that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. "Chicago is fun," she said. “People show up with a game face, but I’m over here high-fiving kids and taking pictures. I know it makes me slower, but I don’t care.”
As she continues her marathon journey, including her dream to run Boston, Kottemann reminds us all of the importance of perseverance and, most importantly, of always continuing to run toward what matters most.
