Several dozen Wellesley-ites are registered to run the 2019 Boston Marathon on April 15. Some have earned their way into the field by running fast enough to meet qualifying times, while others are running 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 fundraising profile here. You’re also welcome to fill out the form if you’re a Boston Marathon qualifier and would like to share your story with us.
Runner: Rebekah Clapham
Charity: Wellesley War Memorial Scholarship
Why I’m running for this cause: The Wellesley War Memorial Scholarship was created shortly after WWII to help the children of veterans with college expenses, and continues to be awarded to students who have an affiliation with the armed services or who are planning military careers. Both my grandfathers were proud of their service in the Army and Navy, and I am running to honor their memories and their commitment to the principles of freedom and opportunity which have guided our country.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I am training with my older sister, Katie Rose Clapham, to run our first Marathon. She is also raising money for scholarships in Wellesley.
Runner: Lisa Rogers
Charity/fundraising link: World of Wellesley
Why I’m running for this cause: World of Wellesley reaches every part of our community with its efforts to make each person feel welcomed. I love supporting an organization that is grassroots and has so much impact in our town.
Boston Marathons run: 3
Fun running fact: During short runs, I have a lot of writing ideas and can’t wait to write them down. During long runs, I don’t think about anything except putting one foot in front of the other!
Runner: Hailey Blackburn
Charity/fundraising link: Stray Pets in Need (Wellesley)
Why I’m running for this cause: If you know me, you know I love animals so this hits home.
Runner: Nicole Fitzpatrick
Charity/fundraising link: Wellesley Theatre Project
Why I’m running for this cause: My children have been involved in this program and it has brought them so much joy. I am thrilled to support an organization that is bringing art to the lives of children in the community.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: My mantra is an appropriated version from Dory-“just keep running”-and it plays on repeat in my head during long runs.
Runner: Jessica Scarpelli
Charity/fundraising link: Wellesley Education Foundation
Why I’m running for this cause: We moved from NYC to Wellesley in part because of the reputation of the Wellesley public schools. WEF provides funding for programs that would otherwise be overlooked in the public school system. Our kids’ education is paramount; I am thrilled and honored to support a cause that promotes our teachers and our children’s education.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I found out I was pregnant with my first child right after I ran my first marathon. I found out I was pregnant with my second child right after I ran my second marathon. Boston will be my third marathon…. ??
Runner: Kate Wallace
Charity/fundraising link: Shawn Thornton Foundation
Why I’m running for this cause: The Shawn Thornton Foundation is fighting the very important fight against Parkinson’s. Shawn’s passion for this work is personal and unwavering. I am so honored to support the Foundation’s efforts.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I grew up in Wellesley along the Boston Marathon route and fondly remember holding out cups of water to the runners and watching in awe at all they accomplished. I am so excited to finally BE a runner and hopefully inspire young girls here to run their own marathon one day!
Runner: Mona Marimow
Charity/fundraising link: Good Sports
Why I’m running for this cause: As a mom of three young children, I know how important sports are in their lives. As our teams in Wellesley thrive and win championships, it is shocking to know that 48% of high schools in the US don’t have any type of P.E. programs.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: This is my first marathon since having kids. My six year old believes I might actually win the race.
Runner: Mimi Refojo
Charity/fundraising link: Bottom Line
Why I’m running for this cause: Bottom Line provides mentors and assistance for first-generation, low-income students in Boston to get into college, graduate and obtain a full-time opportunity upon graduation. I am running for Bottom Line for the 2019 Boston Marathon because I believe that the work that they do has the power to change communities and that with this money that we raise, we will be able to impact many more deserving students. I am so excited to be representing such an amazing organization and to be apart of Team Go Far!
Boston Marathons run: 0 full, 2 half
Fun running fact: The Wellesley Turkey Trot was my first ever race!
Runner: Julie Garvey
Charity/fundraising link: Boston Children’s Hospital
Why I’m running for this cause: This will be my 15th time running the Boston Marathon for BCH. My own children have not needed any medical treatment from BCH but my patient partner (18 yrs old and who lives in Needham – her dad grew up in Wellesley) has been a patient there since she was a baby and has thrived due to her being treated at BCH. Children’s Hospital does amazing work and my fundraising helps the hospital to care for the sickest children, improving the lives of both the patient and their families.
Boston Marathons run: 15 Bostons (23 marathons in total)
Fun running fact: I ran my 1st Boston Marathon back in 1997. Now, over 20 years later, I’m running this one with my daughter Kathleen.
Runner: Kathleen Garvey
Charity/fundraising link: Boston Children’s Hospital
Why I’m running for this cause: My mother, Julie Garvey, has been running Boston for Children’s for 15+ years now – her patient partner Jillian and I being her biggest supporters! I decided that finally after supporting so long from the sidelines, I am ready to run!! Children’s has been such an amazing support system for so many families and communities, I am honored to support them by running Boston with my mom this year!
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I used to think of running only as a way of training for sports, but now I use different sports/activities to train for running!
Runner: Katie Grissino
Charity/fundraising link: Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund
Why I’m running for this cause: As in years past, this year I will run in honor of my parents, both cancer survivors, and in memory of my grandparents, all of whom suffered from the disease. I will run for too many others, family and friends, including those loved ones designated by you with your donation, 100% of which will go directly to the Claudia Adams Barr Program at Dana Farber. Based on a rigorous and highly selective process, the Barr Program funds the brightest, most-creative scientists making basic research discoveries that are transforming cancer treatment. Barr Investigators have made numerous major breakthroughs resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients everywhere.
Boston Marathons run: 7
Fun running fact: Running can take a lot of the credit for my husband and me getting married. When we met, he had no interest in 26.2. He’s now run Boston four times, all in support of Dana Farber.
Runner: Katie Brooks
Charity/fundraising link: Wellesley Council on Aging
Why I’m running for this cause: I believe that life is a never-ending ascension, and that regardless of age, we maintain the ability to evolve and to be well. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Wellesley Council on Aging, and am inspired by its constituents whose life experiences encourage the pursuit of a meaningful path. I am running on behalf of all of those who trust the process of taking steps- physical, figurative, proverbial- alike, in service of the hope for continued improvement throughout life!
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I wear Brooks running shoes 🙂
Runner: Erica MacInnes
Charity/fundraising link: Glen Doherty
Why I’m running for this cause: I am inspired to train and run 26.2 miles in honor of Glen Doherty, a courageous and dutiful solider. Glen, a former Navy SEAL, was one of four Americans killed in a terror attack in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012. His duty and service to our great country and the countless accolades his friends and family recant are testament to the spirit of this notable man. Together, we can raise funds to afford Special Operation professionals AND their families an opportunity to further succeed and continue to self-improve as civilians through scholarships! Running for these families and in honor of Glen is a privilege.
Boston Marathons run: 1
Fun running fact:: Running is contagious. Running pushes you to discover what you are capable of and it will surprise you- in the best way!
Runner: Eileen Monagle
Charity/fundraising link: Team NWH
Why I’m running for this cause: In October of 2017, my mother went in for her routine mammogram at the Auerbach Breast Center at NWH. Following her 3D mammogram, she was informed of two abnormal masses that were discovered. After a biopsy, it was confirmed that my mother had breast cancer. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy, no matter the type or stage. However, thanks to the resources provided by the Vernon Cancer Center, my family was able to receive free counseling, through the PACT Program, on how to confront and cope with a cancer diagnosis. My mother was also able to receive free personal training sessions, aimed at tailoring her active lifestyle to her new lifestyle post-mastectomy. The trainer was incredibly knowledgable about the side effects of mastectomies and helped my mom to develop new workout routines. My mother has also benefited from other numerous resources provided by the Vernon Cancer Center and continues to visit the center once a month for treatment. All of these resources wouldn’t be possible without the funds raised by teams, such as Team NWH.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I quit soccer my senior year of high school and joined the cross country team. It was the best decision that I have ever made. I have been running races yearly since!
Runner: Tendai Musikavanhu
Charity: ABC Wellesley
Why I’m running for this cause: Tomorrow will be male, female and all races.
Boston Marathons run: 1
Fun running fact: I lost over 80 pounds to run my first marathon last year.
Runner: Arielle Mitropoulos
Charity: American Liver Foundation
Why I’m running for this cause: The American Liver Foundation is a charity very near to my heart. In April of 2015, I ran my first Boston Marathon just two weeks after my 18th birthday, making me the youngest runner to complete the Marathon that year. I grew up watching the Marathon and as an athlete and a Bostonian, it became one of my biggest goals to complete Boston in my lifetime. In March of 2013, during my sophomore year of high school at the Winsor School in Boston, my teacher, mentor, and friend, Mimi Minkoff, was diagnosed with liver cancer. Just four months after her diagnosis and going through treatment, she lost her battle in July of 2013 at just 52 years old. Since her passing in 2013, I have been determined to honor her memory. I knew I wanted to do something that would keep her legacy alive forever, so decided that once I was old enough, I would run the Boston Marathon in her honor. I thought it would be a great way to keep her spirit alive, all while raising fund for those who were still struggling with her same illness. In April, I will run my fifth consecutive Boston for ALF, and to date, I have raised more than $36,000 to date in Ms. Minkoff’s memory.
Boston Marathons run: This will be my 5th consecutive.
Fun running fact: The Boston Marathon was my first road race! I also played Varsity Field Hockey at Wellesley College.
Runner: Sarah Harris
Charity: The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health
Why I’m running for this cause: The Brookline Center provides mental health services to children, families, and individuals in the community regardless of their ability to pay. In addition, the Center has pioneered the development of many innovative case management models. The program I’m most impressed with is BRYT (developed by The Center in Brookline High School) which helps students return to school following a mental health or medical crisis. Without it many students fall behind academically, are challenged socially and are therefore at risk of dropping out of school. Currently, 102 schools across Massachusetts have adopted the BRYT model. It’s called Bridge at Wellesley High School and has been there since 2006. The center has aspirations of rolling out the model out nationwide.
Boston Marathons run: 2
Fun running fact: My dad was a marathoner when I was growing up. On my dresser, I have a photo of him running the NYC marathon in the shortest of running shorts which were the style in the 80’s. Running was a routine he clung to as he started to decline from dementia. Our last run together was an informal 5k which was held weekly at Brant Point on Nantucket. He was dressed in madras shorts for the race. My father’s spirit fuels me on all my runs.
Runner: Ellen Banthin
Charity: Dream Big!
Why I’m running for this cause: Dream Big!! raises money for underprivileged girls to get involved in sports. It pays for equipment, program fees, travel expenses and beyond. Dream Big! is located in Newton, MA helping girls locally (and beyond!).
Boston Marathons run: This will be my 11th
Fun running fact: I have run over 30 marathons and 2 ultras.
Runner: Kat Specht
Charity: Mass General Pediatric Oncology team
Why I’m running for this cause: I have always had a close connection to the Massachusetts General Hospital Oncology department. My mother, Dr. Michelle Specht, works as a breast surgical oncologist. With my mom, I’ve attended The Couture for Cancer Fundraiser where I heard stories of patients moved to tears by how thankful they were for the treatment they received at MGH. MGH is one of the best hospitals in the country and has been at the forefront of cancer research for years.
I am a freshman at Colby College this year and running each day has helped me transition from WHS to Colby College. Each year, I have cheered the marathoners on as they made their way down Central Street in Wellesley. During my time at WHS, I spent three seasons on the WHS cross country team. It is incredible that I can combine my love of running with the opportunity to support the amazing work MGH does.
I am raising money to improve the futures of our youngest cancer patients. Please consider making a donation to MGH pediatric oncology group and becoming a part of this incredible life saving treatments and research.
Boston Marathons run: 0
Fun running fact: I attend college at Colby College in Waterville, Maine and spent the winter training in cold and snowy Maine.
