Run the 2013 Boston Marathon® with Franklin Park Coalition Charity Team

The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to announce that it has been selected to be part of the official 2013 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity Program for a second year.  Applications are now available for interested runners at FranklinParkCoalition.org.

The 2012 Boston Marathon ® team raised over $60,000 that was used for a number of Franklin Park Coalition’s summer programs including equipment and salaries for the Youth Conservation Crew and athletic equipment and barbeque nights for the popular Youth Sports Drop-In Nights which served over 1500 kids this past summer. Money raised by the  fifteen selected charity runners of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team will be used for these programs, as well as continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis; refurbishment of ball fields; repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including resurfacing or new hoops and backboards; and for cultural and family programming provided by the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park Program.

The Franklin Park Coalition mission is simple: to restore and preserve Franklin Park, a 527 historic urban green space located in the geographic heart of Boston. Through advocacy and stewardship, Coalition staff, board members and volunteers work to improve park management, public transit options to the park, park entrances s, bicycle access, restoration of historic features, and more. Coalition events and programs, such as park walks, history tours, and nature programs to encourage city dwellers to discover the park's treasures; bringing back the “Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park” for free summer concerts to build community and celebrate local artists; hiring neighborhood youth for summer and school year jobs restoring the 220 acre woodlands and promoting the park; and working with community members and public safety agencies to help people feel safe in the park.

Running and Franklin Park have a long history together. According to Steve Vaitones, a member of the Coalition, the New England Collegiate Cross Country Championships have been held in the park since 1912. The current cross country course was designed and built 1989-1991 after the awarding of the cross country World Championships.  USA National Championships have been held in the park throughout the twentieth century as well. The park continues to be the home for the many local high school and college program practices and various local and state meets. Most recently, the B.A.A. Half Marathon has its start and finish in Franklin Park at the George White Stadium. This event will take place on October 7, 2012 and information is available at www.baa.org.

Julie Arrison, a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Park Coalition and author of Images of America: Franklin Park will be returning as the Marathon Charity Team Coordinator. “I couldn’t be happier to lead a group of marathoners towards two major goals—completing the Boston Marathon and awareness building for an organization that serves Boston so well.” Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass., will be returning to coach the runners for the team. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a group of athletes as they strive to complete one of the most elite marathons in the world. It’s going to be a fun, challenging time.” The 2012 Boston Marathon ® was one of the hottest on record and the Franklin Park Coalition team had a 100% successful finish rate.

For more information about how you can get involved with Franklin Park Coalition and the 2012 Marathon Team, please contact Julie Arrison, Julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Benefits of being a part of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon ® Team:

·         Guaranteed race number for the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013

·         Work with a team of runners who are committed to the mission of the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the Marathon.

·         Receive a handbook with coaching support from Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and fundraising support from the Franklin Park Coalition. Online fundraising access will be provided.

·         Team training runs

·         Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team clothing including a hooded sweatshirt, long sleeve tech, and singlet for race day

·         A planned team kickoff fundraising party.

·         A race weekend pasta potluck.

·         Race day hotel “drop zone” near the finish so that you can freshen up to hit the town on Marathon Monday, post-race.

·         Frequent support from Franklin Park Coalition coaches and other team members on training and fundraising concerns at our Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team blog.

Responsibilities of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team include:

·         Raise a minimum of $4000 to support Franklin Park Coalition Services ($750 for those who have already secured their entry elsewhere)

·         Be physically able to complete the Marathon in under 6 hours

·         If you are local to Boston, attend Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team meetings between December 2012 and April 2013. 

·         $300 B.A.A. race entry fee that does not count towards your fundraising total.

Applications:

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team Application

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application for Runners who have Secured Entry Elsewhere