Boston Marathon serves up Wellesley College-Babson College rivalry we’ve been waiting for

April 22, 2025 by Bob Brown

Wellesley College students were on their Boston Marathon sign game with a mix of funny, encouraging, and not-so-friendly messages for participants.

While we’ve always found Wellesley College and Babson College to co-exist rather peacefully alongside each other in town, one Wellesley College student held aloft a sign with some fighting words on it: “If a Marathon was Easy it would be called Babson College.” (We saw racier versions of this describing certain family members…)

Did Babson students have an answer to this shot from Wellesley College further down the course?

boston marathon 2025 — The sign reads: “If a Marathon was Easy it would be called Babson College”

More signs:

boston marathon 2025 sign that reads "Who needs toenails anyway? — “Who needs toenails anyway?

Boston Marathon 2025: Zipping through Wellesley

April 21, 2025 by Bob Brown

The 2025 Boston Marathon was an absolute end-to-end, sun-soaked party for the 4-plus mile stretch in Wellesley just before Wellesley College to Lower Falls entering Newton. The crowds were out in big numbers cheering on the more than 30,000 participants, from the wheelchair athletes who led the pack to the charity runners in the final wave.

The fastest Wellesley finisher was Hajime Aoki, with an official time of 2:32:35; he finished 300th overall. The fastest female finisher from Wellesley was Kathleen Burch, who ran an official time of 3:12:08. See more results.

Here’s some of what we saw:

@swellesleyreport Boston Marathon 2025 in #Wellesley @Boston Marathon ♬ original sound – swellesleyreport

Boston Marathon 2025 (photo by Marco Kaltofen) — (Photo by Marco Kaltofen)

Hospitalized at McLean, a physician vows to run Boston Marathon to improve mental health care

April 20, 2025 by admin

By Wellesley’s Caroline S. Fox MD MPH

I’m in the day room at McLean, a large space with a linoleum-tiled floor and well-worn chairs and couches. There’s faint light coming in from the weak winter sun, but it is overwhelmed by the harsh fluorescent lighting overhead. A television dominates most of the room, and movement detectors line the windows and glass doors. The doctors are making rounds, just as I have thousands of times, except this time, instead of being the doctor, I’m the patient.

A month prior, I was a successful, respected physician. I had never experienced anxiety or depression. But after a few weeks of acute onset incapacitating anxiety and delusions, I find myself dressed in yoga pants and a hooded blanket, embodying what can only be described as “psych ward chic.”

caroline fox — Caroline Fox (photo by Stephen Wiviott)

I’ve barely eaten because I’m certain the staff are poisoning my food. I believe they put “sprinkle dust” in my slippers to track me when I walk around at night. My roommate wants me out of our room, so she pulls pranks, putting an ice pack in my bed, which melts and leaks all over my sheets. The fear keeps me up all night.

Despite being in a locked psych ward, my phone is in my hand. With all the things we aren’t allowed to have, I’m amazed that we are able to access our phones. It’s the last day of 2021. I decide to text close friends and family – a bit of a holiday card. I let everyone know that I’m spending the winter holidays at McLean. I brag about achieving Level 3 privileges. I talk about hanging out with the other patients, my roommate playing pranks on me. I rant about the mental health care system, and vow to run the Boston Marathon to raise funds for better access to care if I ever recover. And then, as if this is a normal situation, I write “And how are you and your family?”

Fast forward three years.

I’m standing on a street corner, once again in the weak winter sunlight. My running clothes are damp with sweat. I’ve just run fourteen miles. I’m training for the Boston Marathon, raising money for The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. After nearly losing my life, I am incredibly fortunate to have made a complete recovery. I’ve been back in the work force for two years, enjoying time with family and friends – free of the anxiety that was so crippling. My recovery took one year.

I’m “runner of the week” for my charity team, which involves being featured on our social media channels. I make a video, explaining why I’m running the marathon. I stare into the camera, my pink running jacket wet with melting snow. The noise in the background fades away, and I introduce myself, explaining that despite the blustery conditions, the snow and the ice, it was a great run. In fact, I tell the camera, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. Many people won’t understand this sentiment, so I explain what motivates me to log hours on the icy cold streets.

“It’s the patients,” I tell the camera. “The patients who are waiting for care. I was one of those patients. When I experienced an acute mental health crisis three years ago, I had nowhere to turn. I couldn’t get an appointment as my symptoms worsened. That’s why I’m running for The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health.”

The camera stops filming. I post the video to Instagram. What seems innocuous is a big deal. It’s my mental health coming out party.

One morning three years ago, I developed acute anxiety that seemingly came from nowhere. It quickly spiraled, resulting in confusion and delusions. It took months of hospitalizations, appointments, more than a dozen different medications, the loss of my job, and residential psychiatric care in Texas. Only after all of this treatment was I able to find a comprehensive care team back in Boston.

I faced roadblocks every step of the way in my attempts to seek psychiatric care. Initially, my only option to see a psychiatrist was to sit all day at the hospital, without an appointment, in hopes of being seen. When seeking a more reliable option, I was connected to a kindly psychiatrist who was not versed in the use of contemporary medications. Therapists who did not take insurance charged exorbitant prices, and when my insurance did reimburse, which was rare, they mistakenly sent the money to the provider. Anxiety treatment centers, preying on the desperation of patients, charged thousands of dollars for unproven approaches, and failed to provide even the most basic details for promised insurance reimbursement. The only comprehensive care I could get was in an out-of-state psychiatric residential, where coverage was denied due to “lack of medical necessity.” It was only with my own financial resources, out of reach to most people, that I was able to pay for the lifesaving care that restored my health.

My focus now is mental health advocacy. There are few people who are untouched by psychiatric disease. We need to improve access to quality mental health care. The United States is in the middle of a mental health epidemic. Since the COVID pandemic, visits to mental health practitioners have tripled (1). Unfortunately, this has been coupled with a reduction in the number of mental health care providers, leading to an access disaster (2). The difficulty in finding care is so apparent. Even though my husband and I are Harvard trained physicians with close ties to Boston’s best hospitals, I struggled to get timely appointments with qualified practitioners. If someone this medically privileged can’t get appropriate care, what about everyone else?

We have a long way to go toward improving mental health care. On April 21, when I’m running the Boston Marathon, I’ll be pacing myself for the real marathon that lies ahead.

References:

(1) Ettman CK et al. Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in US Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2020.Sep 1;3(9):e2019686

(2) https://www.aamc.org/news/growing-psychiatrist-shortage-enormous-demand-mental-
health-services

More: Boston Marathon 2025: Wellesley guide

Boston Marathon 2025: Wellesley guide

April 17, 2025 by Bob Brown

Wellesley Square claims the mid-point of the annual Boston Marathon, but Wellesley also accounts for 4-plus miles of the course in all starting just before the 12-mile mark near the Wellesley College entrance on Rte. 135 and stretching to the cusp of mile 16 near the Newton line.

We welcome marathon stories, snippets, and photos: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

The 2025 Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21. The first participants leave Hopkinton just after 9am, and the last wave of runners departs at 11:15am. Wheelchair athletes should be hitting Wellesley before 10am. Depending on whether you’re on the lookout for fast runners or plodders among the 30,000 participants, you’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly. The pro runners, who start between 9:37-9:47am, should be hitting Wellesley Square before 11am after passing through Ashland, Framingham, and Natick.

Wellesley charity runner bios

Beware that roads in Wellesley that are on and near the course will be closing at 8:30am and many won’t reopen to at least 3:30pm. More details from the Wellesley Police Department.

You’ve got quite a selection of spots in Wellesley to watch the race from. Things get zany along the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel” section, where students do indeed scream for—and sometimes smooch—sweaty runners. You’ll find some of the more clever, racy, and inspirational signs here as well.

A short walk or run from there up to Wellesley Square is another festive site, with fans lined up on both sides of Central Street. Local businesses get in on the action a well, some with giveaways, some with their own outdoor exercise displays (stationary bikes).

Operation ‘Band of Brothers’: 3 Wellesley siblings ready for Boston Marathon debuts

The segment of Rte. 135/16 in front of Town Hall and the library makes for good picture taking, with a great backdrop on either side of the street. Simons Park next to the library also offers a bit of running around space for kids and pups.

New this year, at the 13.5-mile mark, in front of the Tolles Parsons Center at 500 Washington St., will be a sensory friendly viewing area—cowbell free. The area is for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded space to experience the marathon. “Many people viewing from this area may have autism, a disability, or sensory needs,” according to the BAA, which is partnering with the town as well as representatives from the Flutie Foundation and Boston Marathon volunteers. Accessible bathrooms will be available inside the Tolles Parsons Center. Those wishing to access this space are encouraged to park at Wellesley High School.

The crowds are strong, but thin out a bit, as you head into Wellesley Hills. The race passes by Hunnewell Fields at mile 14, so that’s another area where if you’re there with kids they can take a break on the playground, courts and fields.

For some high flying action, consider setting up near the top of the hill past the 15-mile mark that zips past the Wellesley Recreation Center on the right. This is an especially wild spot for watching the wheelchair and hand-cycle racers speed by.

About 70 Wellesley residents are participating in the 2025 Boston Marathon, per the Boston Athletic Association:

Operation ‘Band of Brothers’: 3 Wellesley siblings ready for Boston Marathon debuts

March 6, 2025 by Bob Brown

In many ways, brothers Jackson, Louis, and Nicholas Cavallerano have been training for their first Boston Marathons for years as lifelong athletes and community volunteers.

For all three of these young men who grew up in Wellesley, next month’s race from Hopkinton to Boston will be their first marathon, and each is doing so through a different fundraising program.

“We are calling it Operation ‘Band of Brothers,'” says dad Chris. “Following the 2024 Boston Marathon our family was talking about how great it is to see all the charity runners and the impact one can make when you ‘run for a reason.'”

The elder Cavallerano says his sons have joined him in many community efforts over the years, such as dressing graves for veterans at Village Church and adopting fire hydrants in the neighborhood to make sure they’re clear of snow. They’ve also joined him on 5K runs and rucks for the Glen Doherty Memorial Road Race.

Chris has also set a family example for running the Boston Marathon for a cause. In 2012, he was the first Boston Marathon runner for National Braille Press and did so blindfolded (with guides).

Cavallerano family members and friends will be providing plenty of support along the course for the brothers in April.

“We hope to see them in Framingham, have a tent across from town hall/next to the library as part of Friends of Wellesley Veterans, then cheer them on in Newton along Heartbreak Hill and finally at the finish line… It’s even a race to keep up with the runners,” Chris says.

We reached out to the Cavallerano brothers to learn more about them, their training, and their causes:

BandOfBrothers — Nicholas, Louis, and Jackson Cavallerano

Jackson Cavallerano (age 24): Running for National Braille Press to support literacy for the visually impaired

What are you up to these days? After graduating from Bryant University in 2022 I moved to Manhattan for two years and began my career in sales. I’ve since moved back to Boston and joined Toast where I am a sales associate on their small/medium business team. I’m currently living in the historic North End of Boston, which is within walking distance to Toast’s Seaport HQ. It’s been incredible not only moving back to where I was born but also being closer to family, friends, and working at one of the best tech companies in the world. I’m hoping to become a field rep in the next couple of months and continue my journey with Toast.

What’s your running background and how’s your training going? I grew up playing a lot of sports, eventually settling down with Lacrosse and Rowing mainly. There were a few times I ran track during the off season between sports but I never did much distance running. I started to get into longer distances once I started doing spartan races (up to 10k-ish range) but this will be the farthest I’ve ever gone at once. Whenever we can, we try and train together. This was easy to do when we were all home for the holidays, with my brothers making the occasional trip home and us getting some miles in. At the very least, we keep each other well informed with strategies, accomplishments, and anything else that comes up. It would be great to stick together for the race, I think we may try and do so until at least the halfway point of Wellesley Public Library — we shall see!

How have you approached fundraising? I’ve got a great support crew and network around me, they’ve really been my backbone throughout training and fundraising. I’m also grateful for Toast’s matching program and have leaned into peers and friends to help me achieve and surpass my goal. My family has also played a crucial role in supporting me both emotionally and with my fundraising efforts. I’ve got both my brothers running as well as a few other close friends so I’ll take what I can get even if it’s split between 5+ people.

Any fun or poignant stories to share re: your training, fundraising, etc. related to the marathon? Honestly it’s just been a load of fun training with friends that are big runners, practically skating along the marathon route as I took on heartbreak hill for the first time a few weekends back, and taking in my surroundings when I train throughout the city and waterfront. Even on vacation – gotta get those miles in!

Anything else worth noting? I wanted to challenge myself in multiple ways when I moved back to Boston. New job, new setup, and now running Boston in 2025. I’ve been a supporter of National Braille Press since I was born.. Going to their book fairs, beep ball games, running the vision 5k, and more recently attending Galas and golf tournaments. It’s really about creating equal opportunities for everyone, no matter what. And it’s been great to make some lifelong friends and connections along the way.

Louis Cavallerano (age 20): Friends of Wellesley Veterans to support veterans

What are you up to these days? I am currently a second year student at Bryant University, in Smithfield, RI, Studying Marketing and Political Science.

What’s your running background and how’s your training going? No official running background, I played lacrosse in high school and continued the sport at the club level at Bryant. Training is going well, considering this is my first marathon, and running is not a big hobby, I am seeing improvement in my endurance and stamina. We are sadly not training together, primarily due to location and logistics. Our running levels are slightly different but come race day, I’m confident that if we need to slow our pace down a bit, or speed up! We will be there for one another.

How have you approached fundraising? Being my first fundraiser, I’m learning things along the way. Constant communication via social media, emails, and other media types has been a great help in raising funds. Posting regular updates regarding funding and training progress allows potential donors to follow me along my journey.

Nicholas Cavallerano (age 22): Wellesley War Memorial Scholarship to support service and education

What are you up to these days? I am a Wellesley Scholarship Foundation scholar studying at the University of Rochester and this is my last semester. I’m double majoring in political science and Italian with a minor in earth sciences.

What’s your running background and how’s your training going? I played three sports throughout high school and have been training with my brothers when I am home in Wellesley. At school, I train with my friends and run around campus and indoors at the athletic center. Running in the snow and on ice is definitely an experience. I plan to stick together with my brothers during the race and finish together.

How have you approached fundraising? I have focused on my friends and family who have seen first hand how important education is to me as well as honoring veterans. I am thrilled to support and share the work of WSF and the Town’s War Memorial Scholarship.

Anything else worth noting? I just wanted to thank the Bank of America, the Boston Athletic Association, the Wellesley Select Board, and especially Stephanie Hawkinson for organizing the town’s annual charity marathon program. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me and other residents to give back to a community and the great local charities that have given so much to so many. It’s an honor to be part of this effort.

More: Wellesley’s 2025 Boston Marathon charity runners

Wellesley charity runners: Share your 2025 Boston Marathon profile

January 23, 2025 by Bob Brown

We’ve created a page featuring profiles of those from Wellesley who are taking part in the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21 for a charity as well as those who are participating for a Wellesley charity.

Fill out this form if you’d like us to include your bio and a link to your fundraising page on our site.

We’re also very happy to hear from anyone taking part in the race in any way if you’ve got a great story to tell: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley’s 2025 Boston Marathon charity runners

Many Wellesley-ites are registered to take part in the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21. Some have qualified by posting fast times in previous races, while others are participating to raise funds for charities in Wellesley and beyond.

Here’s a form you can fill out if you’d like us to include your Boston Marathon profile (including a link to your fundraising site) on this page. Please, only those who either live in Wellesley, or who are taking part in the race for a Wellesley charity, should fill this out. We’ll try to get entries added to this page within a day or two of receiving them.

We’re also happy to hear from anyone taking part in the race in any way if you’ve got a great story to tell: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Karen Gurian

Charity & fundraising page: MGH’s Marathon Team

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m running the 2025 Boston Marathon in honor of my brother, Steve. MGH provided him with exceptional care throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer. My goal is to raise money for MGH so they can continue to help others who are struggling with cancer and give them a chance to overcome the disease.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 4

Fun fact about your running: I ran the Boston Marathon for the first time 25 years ago.

Eric Anderson Jr

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Theatre Project

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Wellesley Theatre Project has been my artistic home base for nearly the last decade, and while there are many reasons I love this organization, near the top of my list is our commitment to building and maintaining a Scholarship Fund, which keeps our programs accessible to all students.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? this is the first… i ran the 5k two years ago, though…

Fun fact about your running: I ran track for a year in high school… I was the slowest guy on the team.

Emily Manion

Charity & fundraising page: I a running in support of the Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF)

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am a resident, Health and Fitness Educator at WHS and Wellesley parent.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my 8th official Boston Marathon

Fun fact about your running: I am also a coach for Dreamfar- Wellesley’s high school marathon team. Alomg with Newton, Brookline, and Needham students, We train together 4 days a week, and the student’s goal is to run the Newport Marathon or Half Marathon, happening two days before the Boston Marathon

Art Krieg

Charity & fundraising page: Dana Farber

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Last year my wife developed breast cancer. It’s early and she has a great prognosis, but going through this with her has increased my own conviction that patients with cancer need better treatment options – Dana Farber scientists are working to deliver these, and I am proud to support this!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 9 – 2025 will be my 10th consecutive Boston marathon!

Fun fact about your running: I hadn’t run a marathon since the 1980’s until my daughter convinced me to run with her in her first ever marathon, in 2015. She qualified for Boston in her first marathon, and so we decided to run Boston together (I qualified in the Bay State marathon, a few mos after she qualified). We ran together again last year, with my brother, and all three of us qualified together! picture below…

Maggie May Mulshine

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Conservation Trust

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I have a huge passion for running and can’t think of a better reason to run than for a good cause! After researching the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, I am thrilled to be sponsored by such an amazing organization with such a direct mission. With the busyness in the world around us today, I think a lot of people forget to stop and look at the nature that surrounds us, and this is why it so important to protect and preserve the natural environment.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 2

Fun fact about your running: This will be my 3rd Boston Marathon and 5th marathon overall!

Kenn Craig

Charity & fundraising page: Friends of Wellesley METCO Inc.

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Working in Wellesley Public Schools for the past 13 years, I have seen firsthand how powerful the METCO program is. I have worked as a classroom teacher with many METCO students over the years, and I can’t imagine any of those classrooms without them. In my current role as a Math specialist/coach at Bates Elementary, I get the privilege of going into all 3-5 classrooms and building relationships with many METCO students. I believe in the METCO program, and running for Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc. (FWMI) is a way for me to say, “Thank you” for allowing me to become a part of their lives. Donations will support after-school tutoring, summer-reading programs, school-sponsored trips, summer academic enrichment, SAT prep courses, grants for college-bound seniors, and much more. A strong METCO program contributes to successful academic, social, and emotional outcomes for all students in the Wellesley Public Schools.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? Zero – this is my first!

Fun fact about your running: Not exactly “fun” – but I began running as a form of therapy when my father was diagnosed with early onset dementia. I continued running after he passed away. I’ve done multiple half-marathons in Boston, Austin, and Cleveland.

Grace Seaborn

Charity & fundraising page: War Memorial Scholarship Fund

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am honored to have this opportunity to help raise college scholarship funding for Wellesley High School students. I chose to run for the War Memorial Scholarship Fund because when I was a senior at Wellesley High, scholarships were absolutely necessary for me to take the next step of going to college. I am happy to pay that forward, and help more young people achieve higher education.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? None, this is my first!

Fun fact about your running: My favorite race I’ve ever run was the Cambridge Half Marathon this past November.

Jeff Babcock

Charity & fundraising page: West End House Boys & Girls Club

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’ve been a volunteer and supporter of the West End House since 2016, and I’m so proud to be raising money to support their mission of providing educational, recreational, and cultural programs for young people in Boston!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 1 (in 2018, also raising money for the West End House)

Fun fact about your running: I ran the 2018 Boston Marathon…the year with the cold, rainy and windy conditions, which made it a particularly difficult one! I missed my goal of breaking 4 hours by a few minutes, so I’m hoping for better conditions this time around and hoping to break 4 hours!

Celia Sanabria

Charity & fundraising page: Sustainable Wellesley

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: As a lifelong Wellesley resident, this race and charity hold deep meaning for me. Wellesley is not only the halfway point of the marathon but also where my commitment to sustainability began. Whether it was walking to school instead of driving or spending time at the Wellesley RDF, especially the Take It or Leave It, I’ve always seen the value in community-driven sustainability. Running for this cause allows me to bring my personal experiences full circle, supporting efforts that strengthen the community and promote the environmental values I’ve always cared about!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I got into running because my aunt is a 10 time Boston Marathon finisher (and my coach for this training!)

Will McGraw

Charity & fundraising page: Community Investors

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I first got involved with Community Investors as an elementary schooler in their affiliated program, Terriers. More recently, I’ve been lucky to give back as a coach with Fenway Flag. From every experience with this organization, I’ve learned something valuable about leadership, teamwork, and building lasting friendships. Now, I want to help more kids across Massachusetts benefit from the same opportunities. My goal is to raise $5,000 to support Community Investors and ensure they can continue their amazing work. Every dollar goes directly toward programs that help kids connect, grow, and enjoy the kinds of activities that had such an impact on me.

Fun fact about your running: This is my first marathon!

Eleanor Devereux

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Scholarship Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: As an avid runner growing up in a small Vermont town, it is a dream come true to be running the Boston Marathon! As a kid, I cheered from the sidelines as my mom completed numerous marathons, and in more recent years, I watched my sister run Boston twice. I am so excited that it is finally my turn to toe the line in Hopkinton! I couldn’t think of a better way to merge my passion for running and teaching than to support the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation! WSF supports all students who live in Wellesley and /or are Wellesley high school graduates (including METCO, A Better Chance, and children of Wellesley Public School employees.) Just last week, I asked my fourth grade students at Schofield Elementary to complete the sentence, “When I am an adult I want to be…” Answers such as nurse, artist, vet, professional athlete, and neurosurgeon filled the room, along with an excited energy. These students work hard every day to meet the high expectations set for them, as they also learn to find their voice and follow their dreams in our ever changing society. By making a donation to WSF, you enable even more deserving students to turn their dreams into reality, unlocking a brighter future for themselves and their community.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my third marathon but first Boston.

Fun fact about your running: I ran cross country for Saint Michaels College in Vermont!

Caroline Carroll

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Scholarship Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: It’s been 25 years since my last Boston Marathon! When the opportunity to run to raise money for the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation’s War Memorial Scholarship Fund presented itself, I knew it was time to lace up my shoes! My kids rely on scholarships to help offset college tuition costs-loans. My son Charlie was the grateful and proud recipient of this scholarship in 2024. My father, Charlie’s grandfather, is an Army veteran. Dad served his country for 26 years, the scholarship meant a lot to both of them. I will be running to give back to the Scholarship Fund that meant so much to us and to help fund future War Memorial Scholarships. I will also be running to honor my Dad, a proud Veteran and former marathoner, who at 91 would be running too if he only could! Dad shared his love of running with me and it’s been a gift. He is my hero, his spirit will be with me as I train and run on marathon day. Please help me give back and let’s create future opportunities for our town scholars. Your support can make a huge difference!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 3

Fun fact about your running: My Mom and Dad “laced-up” in the early 70’s to “go jogging.” Before long dad joined a new craze: running marathons. As a young kid it was inspiring to watch him train and race. No doubt it influenced my love of running. Some people still say, “I saw you out there “jogging.” It makes me smile. See picture above from 2010 Schofield 5k. I hope I have inspired my own kids, too.

Daniel Roellinger

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Community Children’s Center

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: My dear friends Tristan and Cathy Lubinski, who I have known for over twenty years, have a son Calvin who attends the WCCC after school program at Schofield School. Tristan and I became friends during our first year of college and we were groomsmen in each other’s weddings. Schofield has been a great environment for Calvin to grow and develop his learning and socialization skills. I am a strong believer in the importance of our education system, and supporting it is vital, particularly with the challenges it has faced over the past several years. WCCC is a fantastic organization which creates a nurturing environment that fosters the growth and development of young children. With trained educators who prioritize emotional, social, and intellectual growth, every child receives the care and support they need.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I have run 12 full marathons, including Chicago and New York. It has been my dream to run Boston for many years, and I am very excited to do so on behalf of such a worthy cause!

David Roth

Charity & fundraising page: Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am excited to be raising funds for the Friends of Wellesley Free Libraries. As a resident of Wellesley for more than 35 years, I know first-hand that the Wellesley Free Libraries play a vital role in our community. My family and I regularly take advantage of the library, its resources, and programs, and I view this as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the Wellesley community. Our library offers a rich array of resources and gathering spaces for everyone to enjoy. Your contributions will provide support beyond the allocated town budget to ensure that the library can continue to thrive as a hub of knowledge and creativity, and a place where people of all ages can explore, learn, and connect. With your help, we can maintain and expand children’s programming, middle school and teen clubs, museum passes, staff enrichment opportunities, local author lectures, concerts, and the beloved library aquarium. Thank you for contributing to support our libraries!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my first Boston Marathon.

Fun fact about your running: I’ve been running longer distances for just over a year and Boston will be my third marathon.

Elizabeth Vahey

Charity & fundraising page: Human Relations Service

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Mental health resources are so important for adults and children, but growing up in the Wellesley area this is so important to me because of the difference HRS is making in my community.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I’ve run 2 other marathons (New York and Chicago), but only ran my first half marathon in 2020.

Hot times at Boston Marathon in Wellesley

April 15, 2024 by Bob Brown

You know it’s a warm Boston Marathon when the first thing someone says to you along the course is: “These damn mosquitoes.” And that was BEFORE temps hit the 70s, and forced many a marathoner to downshift on their way to Boston this Patriots’ Day.

Big crowds cheered on participants from the Wellesley College entrance, where we started our viewing, through mile 14.5 near the high school (fellow residents shared shots with us from other spots along the course…thank you!). More than 29,000 took part in the race this year, representing all 50 states and more than 120 countries. Nearly 10,000 volunteers helped to keep the whole operation going smoothly.

Wellesley native Charlotte Del Col (Photo by Stephen Keep Photography)

2024 4-15 Boston Marathon Brooke Guiffre Glen Magpiong — Familiar faces Brooke Guiffre & Glen Magpiong (photo courtesy of Darren Bovie)

We caught glimpses of local runners we knew as well as celebrity marathoners like ex-Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (a strong 3:31 finish for the very big guy). SpongeBob Squarepants, ballerinas, bees, and royalty all made their way through town, where plenty of signage made clear to participants exactly where they were as they approached the halfway mark of the 26.2-mile race.

Julie Moore Boston Marathon mile 14.5 — Wellesley’s Julie Moore looking strong more than halfway through

2024 4-15 Boston Marathon Norah Schaefer — Wellesley’s Norah Schaefer (photo courtesy of Darren Bovie)

Local businesses took advantage of their locations along the course, dishing out pizza and swag, and providing spin bikes as a perch for some spectators. Fans sprawled on the church, library, Town Hall, and other lawns along the route.

Entering Wellesley Square boston marathon — Entering Wellesley Square

boston marathon 2024 — Hand cyclists hit the 20K mark

We were treated to amusing marathon stories, too. One spectator shared that a newcomer to the marathon years ago was amazed that another watcher knew so many people in the race, shouting out one name after another… because, uh, you know, their names were on their shirts. Another told of a close call when doing a runner drop-off at the starting line from Wellesley this morning, and realizing partway there that the runner had everything on their list—except their numbered bib …oops, back home and then back toward the start.

At the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel,” students were in fine form, many displaying encouraging, funny, or racy signs (popular themes were related to Barbie & Ken and how runners were going faster than the MBTA), other lugging—and chugging—gallon jugs of mystery juice (“borgs”). As always, the crowd got loudest when the lead women runners zoomed by, but clumps of students stuck around and cheered on the stragglers, too, who really needed their support.

marathon sign — Photo courtesy of reader MC

Sounds of the @Wellesley Scream Tunnel, followed by the clomping of shoes post-tunnel @bostonmarathon pic.twitter.com/T5dHhyyZNx
— swellesley (@swellesley) April 15, 2024

Spectators could hardly believe their eyes when the first male runner at mile 12-plus, Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, ran through with no one else in sight. We could hardly believe our ears when we learned he never relinquished that lead (finishing in 2:06:17) and distanced himself from the runner-up by 41 seconds.

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri finished as the top woman for the second straight year, this time in 2:22:37, eight seconds ahead of the runner-up.

Men’s winner Sisay Lemma streaking through Wellesley Lower Falls (Photo courtesy of Stephen Keep Photography)

Elkanah Kibet speeds through Wellesley on the way to a 2:12:32 finish, good for 14th overall (Photo by Andrea Blossom)

Elite Boston Marathon runners (Photo by Jim Speros) — (Photo by Jim Speros)

elite women crossing the 25k marker just past Warren Park — Elite women crossing the 25k marker just past Warren Park (photo by Jean Bae)

Wellesley’s fastest runners: Matt Taylor was tops among men with a 2:43:18 finish and Kathleen Burch was best among women at 3:15:57.

Not to be overlooked: Wellesley High’s Eli Merritt on Saturday won the boys’ scholastic mile race in Copley Square as part of Boston Marathon activities over the weekend.

Local news is a marathon, not a spring: Please support The Swellesley Report

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Longfellow Wellesley Blood Drive

Beyond Wellesley—Musical Matinee: The Band Wagon at Weston Newton Cinema

Labor Day

Welcome to the Graveyard (Wellesley library program)

Wellesley Free Library presentation: “Massachusetts: The Library State”