Many Wellesley-ites are registered to run the 2022 Boston Marathon on April 18. Some have qualified by running fast times in previous races, 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 Boston Marathon profile (including a link to your fundraising site) on this page. Please, only those who either live in Wellesley, or who are running 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.
Runners: Shari & Kevin O’Leary
Charity: Wellesley ABC (fundraising page)
Why this charity? We have been long-time residents of Wellesley having raised our four sons here, as well as long-time supporters of the Wellesley ABC Program. Shari served as Driving Coordinator of Wellesley ABC for over 10 years, and we have participated in fundraising and/or other volunteer events through the years. Since 1972, Wellesley ABC has been opening the door to greater educational opportunities enabling young women of color to graduate with a secondary education from Wellesley High School and go on to pursue and excel in their academic and professional interests. It has been enriching to us to see these talented young women grow through the years, seizing on the opportunities provided them, becoming social leaders in their respective fields for betterment of society. We are extremely grateful that we have been chosen to run the Boston Marathon on behalf of ABC for the benefit of these impressive young women!
How many Boston Marathons have you run? This is the first Boston Marathon for both of us.
Fun fact about your running: Shari was never a runner yet inspired to join Wellesley’s “Superwoman” Carol Chaoui and crew and found incredible enjoyment in the morning runs, camaraderie, and of course coffee after finishing. Kevin, a pre- and early marriage runner, gave up for 30+ years due to “knee issues.” A global traveler, the pandemic “ZOOM thing” challenged him to consider running again as an escape from the screen. After less than a year of running he finished his first marathon…knee feels great and no longer an excuse that works with Shari! Additional fun fact…we’re grandparents running Marathons!
Runner: Christopher Price
Charity: The Bill Belichick Foundation (fundraising page)
Why this charity? The Bill Belichick Foundation raises thousands of dollars a year for youth sports programs. Youth sports programs played a major role in helping shape a bond between me and my son, and I would love to be able to have another family share the same sort of benefits.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? Zero.
Fun fact about your running: I’ve run half marathons before, but I’m alternately thrilled and terrified about the prospect of running Boston for the first time. At the same time, I know I’ll get a boost when I roll through Wellesley on Patriots Day—it’s a great town that supports runners better than any town along the route!
Runner: Laura Cannistraro
Charity: Elizabeth Seton Nursing Home (fundraising page)
Why this charity? I am running for Elizabeth Seton Nursing Home where both my Grandma and Grandpa and being cared for. I run in honor of them and to raise money for the wonderful place. ESR goes above and beyond doing everything they can to make their residents feel happy, safe and loved. I am forever grateful for the faculty and staff there and no money raised will ever be enough to show my gratitude for them. It truly is a special place and forever will be in my heart.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? 2
Fun fact about your running: I’ve been running my entire life, (I ran track at wellesley middle and high school!) but never knew I’d turn into a marathoner. It had been a life goal of mine since I’ve watched my uncle run numerous Boston Marathons from wellesley center as a young girl, and was even more inspired watching my Mom train and run a marathon with 5 young kids! After the first one I completed in 2019, as soon as I crossed the finish line, I said to myself oh no I have the bug. I knew it was the first of many. I absolutely love running and the crowd and experience on marathon day is unlike anything else.
Runner: Lamia Farah
Charity: World of Wellesley (fundraising page)
Why this charity? World of Wellesley works tirelessly to make our community a more welcoming place for all to live. They help sponsor programs such as a Martin Luther King Jr day breakfast, community book read, multicultural festival, and other events that foster a community where diversity, equity and inclusion are fully embraced. It is incredibly important to create safe spaces in our community for everyone, and the World of Wellesley is committed to that work.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? This is my first marathon!
Fun fact about your running: I have gotten a lot better at hurdling over snow banks as I run!
Runner: Peter Knapp
Charity: Wellesley Education Foundation (fundraising page)
Why this charity? Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) is a non-profit that aims to foster curiosity, creativity and innovation within Wellesley Public Schools. To do this, WEF provides grants to teachers that enable them to learn, pilot and implement unique and emerging practices within their fields. Please join me in supporting WEF and in encouraging our students to dream big.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? None
Fun fact about your running: When I started running at the start of the pandemic, I ran over 2,200 miles from April 2020 to April 2021. I have never run a marathon and am beyond excited to be running such a historic race!\
Runner: Andrew Dombrowiecki
Charity: Friends of Wellesley METCO (fundraising page)
Why this charity? My cousins live in Wellesley, MA and their lives have been personally enriched by the fact that Friends of Wellesley METCO Inc was part of their school experience and the lasting friendships they developed.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0- I have always dreamed of running one!
Fun fact about your running: I started running road races was I was 8 years old and was able to compete competitively all throughout high school and all 4 years in college!
Runner: Alison McCarthy
Charity: Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries (fundraising page)
Why this charity? FWFL is a charity that benefits the whole town. The library programs supported by FWFL enhance the lives of Wellesley citizens, and beyond.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? None.
Fun fact about your running: I wish it was warmer for training!!!
Runner: Maggie Mulshine
Charity: Community Investors (fundraising page)
Why this charity? Community Investors creates positive, impactful experiences for our youth.
Runner: Kiely Noonan
Charity: Dana Farber Marathon Challenge (fundraising page)
Why this charity? 6 months ago I lost my aunt, “Honey”, to her battle with ovarian cancer. Anybody who had the chance to meet Honey knew she was a true Bostonian, embodying the fighter spirit and unconditional loyalty to the one’s she loved. Struggling with the loss I’m so grateful to be running the 2022 Boston Marathon with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team in honor of my aunt and for all those who have either lost a loved one or been diagnosed with cancer.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? None – this is my first one!
Fun fact about your running: This is my first time running the Boston Marathon! Living in Boston post-grad has been amazing and exploring the city while I train has been my favorite part!
Runner: Sam Steere
Charity: Massachusetts General Hospital’s Emergency Response Dept. (fundraising page)
Why this charity? Many of us have had the option to work from home over the past two years due to COVID-19. This isn’t an option for most members of the Emergency Response Department. I would like to do what I can to honor the life-saving efforts of the ERD team.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? 3
Fun fact about your running: I ran the 2020 Boston Marathon virtually by running five 5.25 miles loops around Wellesley.
Runner: Liam Kalloch
Charity: Wellesley Historical Society (fundraising page)
Why this charity? As a New Englander I was raised to value local history and my sister is the Executive Director of the Wellesley Historical Society. Running the Boston Marathon in support of the Wellesley Historical Society provides me with a chance to support local history and my sister in her work to preserve and share the history of Wellesley.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my first time running the Boston Marathon
Fun fact about your running: I have been competing on and off in road races, including a local 5k that I won and a 24-hour relay race in which I ran over 40 miles.
Runner: Jenny Lee
Charity: Boston Children’s Hosptial (fundraising page)
Runner: Dustin Gerstenfield
Charity: Fight Food Insecurity with the Wellesley Rotary Club (fundraising page)
Why this charity? As someone who has experienced food insecurity when I was younger, this cause is important to me and an opportunity to give back and support organizations like the ones that supported my family.
How many Boston Marathons have you run? This is my first Boston Marathon
Fun fact about your running: Running the Boston Marathon will be my 2nd marathon. I ran my first this past October in Portland, Maine. I am mainly a half-marathoner but looking forward to the journey from Ashland to Boston.
