SoSH & the 2014 Boston Marathon

Should SoSH fundraise to support a team of runners in the 2014 Boston Marathon?

  • Yes and I want to run

    Votes: 12 17.9%
  • Yes

    Votes: 45 67.2%
  • No

    Votes: 10 14.9%

  • Total voters
    67

TallerThanPedroia

Civilly Disobedient
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
25,542
Boston
I don't need to remind everyone of the events surrounding the Boston Marathon last April, because SoSH was there. Members ran the race, or volunteered, or watched from the crowd. People we love were injured or lost. And during the days that followed, as we tried to process what happened and watched subsequent events unfold, we did something remarkable about it: we raised $16,000 for the One Fund, starting even before there was a One Fund, due to the efforts of some awesome and dedicated people. At the time, many members expressed a desire to do more in the future. One particular suggestion was to sponsor a team of SoSH runners in the 2014 Boston Marathon. Today I want to pick up on that idea and carry it forward.

On Patriots Day I was volunteering as a Runner Guide for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team, which meant standing at the end of the runner chute that begins at the finish line and lets out on Berkeley Street, two blocks away. I haven't qualified for Boston yet but I was getting close, and I wanted to be a part of the day, even if I wasn't running. And I had several friends who were running, so I hoped to see them too. I was expecting to escort tired DFMC runners back to the Marriott where DFMC had their team recovery area. Before any of our runners arrived, however, the bombs went off. We were close enough to hear them, but not close enough to understand what had happened. What semblance of order there was at the end of the chute, where we stood along side waiting families, all jostling to find their runners, vanished completely. Meanwhile, there I was, in a brightly colored shirt with VOLUNTEER written across it. Suddenly, people were walking up to me asking for help: to use my phone, to ask for directions, or just to find out what was going on. The way I was raised, I was taught that in situations like this, you do what you can, so I did. I spent the afternoon escorting out-of-town runners back to their hotels, including this chipper 65-year-old Canadian woman who had run like a 4:01 and was still super spry afterwards. All while texting people to let them know I was okay, and trying to follow the news on Twitter and here on SoSH. I made some friends among my fellow volunteers that day, and I was very impressed with how the DFMC staffers handled everything. I decided then that I couldn't think of a better finish to running my first Boston marathon than to see them waiting for me at the end of that chute next April.

That's my story, and that's why I've applied to run for DFMC next spring. I have reached out to every SoSH marathoner I know, and so far I have two maybes and one yes, from someoneanywhere, who is also applying to DFMC. Given SoSH's epic fundraising history, I think we can easily support 4-6 runners. So firstly, we're looking for teammates. If you've already got a bib for 2014 from the BAA, well, first of all you're amazingly fast so good for you, but secondly, join us. If you want to run and need a bib, there is a host of charity teams, but you'll have to act soon, because demand for charity bibs will be through the roof (as such I don't think we all necessarily need to run for Dana Farber). Even if you've never run a marathon before, join up and the Running Dogs will train you from couch to 26.2 if that's what it takes.

We're not looking for any donations or pledges at this point. But is this something we as a community want to do? Our fundraising prowess has been both impressive and growing by the year. If I have my numbers correct: about $30,000 for the Jimmy Fund in 2010, $40,000 for the Jimmy Fund in 2011 in honor of John Wells, and over $44,000 for the STATS truck last year. So far this year there's the $16,000 to the One Fund. I think we've got another big number in us.

What do you say, SoSH?
 

Spelunker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
11,862
I think this is a fantastic idea. I have an application in for Alzheimer's Association, and I'm hoping for a spot. But even if I don't get one, I'd love to support someone else.
 

TallerThanPedroia

Civilly Disobedient
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
25,542
Boston
Thanks to everyone for the response so far. It's very encouraging.
 
If you're one of the people who clicked "yes and I want to run" who haven't PM'd me yet, please do, and let me know if you've already applied to a charity team as Spelunker has.
 

wilked

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
4,044
I will likely be running for a charity, but would like to help / be a part
 

Spelunker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
11,862
Still waiting to hear back from the Alzheimer folks (but wondering if I should try for another one in the meantime).
 

Spelunker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
11,862
The Napkin said:
Maybe they forgot about it?

(I'm so sorry for that but I couldn't help myself)
 
I wish I were the kind of person that didn't find that hilarious.
 
I laughed.
 

Kremlin Watcher

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 20, 2005
5,232
Orleans, MA
X-ray revealed bone spurs on the femur; arthrogram is next, but I won't be out on the road for a while, so I guess I'm out. Surgery for sure; won't have enough time to train properly.
 
Damn.
 

Spelunker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
11,862
So, still haven't heard back from Alzheimers (they may actually have forgotten) so I threw my hat in the ring with MGH.
 
Edit: updated the one I actually applied to.
 

TallerThanPedroia

Civilly Disobedient
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
25,542
Boston
Has anyone else gotten a bib in the interim? I know the One Fund just sent out their selections. Dana Farber is still making picks. The deadline for applying to run on the Martin Richard team (Team MR8) is Friday. MIT also announced their team (MIT Strong) in honor of Sean Collier, though it is limited to the MIT community (alums, etc.). The deadline is Monday.
 

Spelunker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
11,862
MGH had opened up another team as well, for their Emergency Response Fund, through that same pool of extra slots that the BAA opened up for those affected by the bombings.  I think they've filled that, though.