In 1989, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) introduced a charity component to the Boston Marathon, setting aside 10% of entries for charitable teams. The total charitable fundraising since the program began is over $550 million!
As I look forward to cheering on my wife Ellen who is running for Team Honda on behalf of Dana Farber, I think it is important to recognize the “overqualifiers,” as they are often referred to. While they do not have to meet the qualifying times, charity runners take on a big responsibility to raise awareness and revenue for a charity that focuses on health, fitness, and the local community. This is in addition to the grueling training program they take on, even through the bitter New England winter months.
Training for a marathon requires discipline, pain, sacrifice, and demanding logistical skills. It takes a village to run a marathon and it’s virtually impossible without the support and encouragement of family and friends. But I would argue that the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. Firstly, preparing for the marathon is such a valuable routine to build for a fit mind and body. Secondly, the friendships you forge with your team and fellow runners and the amazing and tireless encouragement from spectators are priceless. Thirdly, the charity connection is a win/win, providing a sense of pride and the ultimate opportunity for you to pay it forward. This year alone, 176 official charities will benefit, from Boston Children’s Hospital to Make-A-Wish to Strong Girls United!
Besides Ellen’s participation, we support television coverage of the race for New Hampshire residents by sponsoring the Marathon Minute on WMUR. I hope you have a chance to tune in and see what New Hampshire runners are saying as they prepare for this prestigious event.
BAA’s charitable mission aligns with our own efforts to give back to the community. Inspired in part by the Marathon, we created “Miles with a Mission,” pairing employee wellness with philanthropic reward. The program encourages employees to participate in a virtual 5K on their own time, at their own pace, either walking running, hiking, and in the winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In exchange, each month the committee selects a non-profit organization to support and sends them a donation on behalf of everyone who participates (including an employee’s plus-one). I am proud to say we have been able to contribute thousands of dollars to hundreds of organizations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont through the commitment of my employee colleagues.
Here’s to all of you braving this New England weather to run, ride, walk, or even drive in the rain or snow for a workout at the gym. Stay healthy and enjoy the greatest and oldest marathon in the country!
