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Chicago Woman Completes Marathon Despite Fatphobic Doubts
Eileen Tull's solo show "Too Fat to Run" chronicles her journey to finish the 2022 Chicago Marathon.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Eileen Tull, a cofounder of the Fat Theatre Project, has been performing her solo show "Too Fat to Run" for a couple of years. The show, directed by Jessica Landis, is an engaging autobiographical piece that goes beyond plucky-underdog tropes to give the audience a sense of what drove Tull to achieve the goal of finishing the 2022 Chicago Marathon, even though she wasn't sure it was within her ability.
Why it matters
Tull's story highlights the challenges and discrimination that many overweight individuals face when pursuing physical fitness goals. Her determination to complete the marathon despite naysayers who told her she was "too fat to run" is an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of fatphobic attitudes.
The details
In the show, Tull recounts early experiences with disordered eating and substance abuse issues, as well as the self-deprecation and guilt she felt as a fat woman embarking on marathon training. Despite the doubts of others, including a "concerned" colleague who told her she was "too fat to run," Tull did indeed finish the 2022 Chicago Marathon.
- Tull has been performing "Too Fat to Run" off and on for a couple of years.
- The show is now part of Redtwist Theatre's One-on-Wednesdays solo series, with performances through March 4, 2026.
The players
Eileen Tull
A cofounder of the Fat Theatre Project who wrote and stars in the solo show "Too Fat to Run."
Jessica Landis
The director of "Too Fat to Run."
Richard
A "concerned" colleague of Tull's who told her she was "too fat to run" the Chicago Marathon.
What they’re saying
“My intended marathon pace is 'finish,'”
— Eileen Tull (chicagoreader.com)
“The runner's high was the only one I can have anymore,”
— Eileen Tull (chicagoreader.com)
“I'm not a bad fat. I'm a good fat. I'm like an avocado.”
— Eileen Tull (chicagoreader.com)
What’s next
Tull's solo show "Too Fat to Run" will continue its run at Redtwist Theatre through March 4, 2026.
The takeaway
Eileen Tull's story of persevering to complete the 2022 Chicago Marathon despite facing fatphobic doubts from others is an inspiring example of the determination and resilience of individuals who pursue their fitness goals, regardless of their size or appearance.
