Wanna run a 5K?

Derly Ortiz is organizing a virtual 5K this weekend. You don't need to stress about where to meet or a time to run or walk--just get out and do a 5K in a show of support for Derly's hard work and her training and fundraising efforts. You'll get a cool virtual medal and a sense of Sunday satisfaction for a job well done!

Registration is $21.00 and available at: at https://www.racemenu.com/events/35291-March-Madness-Virtual-5K. All proceeds support the youth and athletic programs with the Franklin Park Coalition.

Marc's Push for the Fundraising Finish Line!

Looking for a fun way to support a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team? Head over to James Gate in JP this Saturday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fun and friends and Franklin Park. $20.00 gets you an afternoon of snacks, a raffle ticket for some great prizes (listed below), a cash bar, and the company of great folks.

You can support Marc here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marcs-push-for-the-fundraising-finish-line-tickets-10710803301.

Hope to see you Saturday!

• Gift cards to J.P. Licks, City Feed, and Kitchenwitch.
• 2 passes to Yoga For Runners at JP Yoga (right above City Feed on Centre!)
• A gift bag of dog treats and fun from our friends at Polka Dog Bakery
• Some *excellent* cellared beers courtesy of one of one of FHR's finest (I would buy tickets for these if I could)
• And, I'll be putting together a gift pack of the specific fuels that the B.A.A will be providing on Marathon Monday so you can get yourself acclimated.  

Support Boston Strong, Support a Franklin Park Runner

Meet Mr. Hollywood: welcome to the team Tom!

Thomas Silcott is a native of Boston. He grew up about a 10 minute walk away from Franklin Park. He's spent his summers there as a kid in day camp, many a bike ride through the park, visits to the zoo and many a Kite and Caribbean Festival through the years. Now, he lives with his family in Los Angeles enjoying life as an actor/musician. Tom has run the Los Angeles Marathon but is honored for the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon representing Franklin Park. To support Thomas’ fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Silky-Runs-For-Franklin-Park

Merry Christmas from the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team. We are thankful for everyone's support over the past two years and look forward to another great season in 2014.

The doctor is in! Meet Eddie!

Eddie Baker is a veterinarian and current resident of Jamaica Plain. He has just moved back after four years of living in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Eddie grew up in Jamaica Plain and some of his earliest memories are from playing in Franklin Park, whilst in pre-school.  Throughout his childhood he has continuously returned to the park.  When he was ten, he went to a day summer camp where I met Tiger Woods, who was playing in an amateur competition at the golf course.  Throughout high school he would go to White Stadium on Saturday mornings in the fall to watch the football team play. He is not only grateful to have a spot in the 2014 Boston Marathon but I am also really excited about the opportunity to run for such a great organization. To support Eddie’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Eddie-S-Got-The-Runs-For-Franklin-Park

Meet Julie! Team leader, marathoner, fundraiser, and longtime FPC volunteer.

Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon team for her third attempt at a "good" Boston Marathon. She is a longtime volunteer with the FPC and will be managing the team again this year. She is looking forward to the challenge of a team of 20+ runners who are all working for the same cause--supporting the amazing work of the FPC. The 2014 Boston Marathon will be Julie's eighth marathon and though it's sure to be an emotional event, running for a great cause will get her through. 

When not training or volunteering, Julie is a site manager with Historic New England and manages two historic house museums as well as volunteers her time on a number of boards. 

To support Julie's fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjulie2014

Meet Lori! Swimmer, biker, runner...and doing it for youth athletic opportunities in Franklin Park

Lori Anderson was born and raised in NJ and has lived in Boston for the last two years. She experienced her first Marathon Monday watching on Boylston Street two years ago and decided then she was going to run the Boston marathon herself one day.  She is very excited and honored to have the opportunity to run for Franklin Park Coalition this year. Lori is an assistant professor of economics at Framingham State University.  She has completed and placed number of triathlons, half marathons, and one marathon. To support Lori’s fundraising efforts, please visit:http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamlori2014

Meet Marc! JP local, run enthusiast, FHR guru, and FPC board member extraordinare!

Marc Almanzan (pictured in the middle of this great Forest Hills Runners gang!) is an avid runner who has found his home in Jamaica Plain, right next to Franklin Park.  He believes that running and nature are two of the best things that we can experience for ourselves, especially amid the ultra-connected city lives we lead. He is certain that running leads to sanity, health, and self-improvement that can translate to all aspects of one's life.  Marc believes that with nature, running becomes an even deeper adventure into the self and the world, as one can truly connect while being disconnected in the woods. He is thankful to live in a community such as Jamaica Plain that has such an abundance of green space, and he is grateful to the Franklin Park Coalition for their mission to keep the park healthy and utilized by everyone who wishes to enjoy it. To support Marc’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Marc-Is-Raising-For-The-Franklin-Park-Coalition

Have you registered?

First Annual Franklin Park Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013
Race starts at 9:00am

Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse

One Circuit Drive, Dorchester, MA 02121

Run or walk the beautiful paths of “jewel” of the Emerald Necklace to start your Thanksgiving Day!  The scenic 3.1 mile route includes the most beautiful and historic views of Franklin Park. You can work off your Thanksgiving calories before you sit down at the table!

Great Prizes for fast finishes and costumes!

Sponsors

Thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting this community run. Franklin Park Turkey Trot is made possible through their generosity.

Mortgage Master

This event supports the Franklin Park Coalition’s amazing Youth Conservation Crew. This program provides summer jobs for 20 neighborhood teens and their young adult leaders. This inspiring crew has restored trails, restored woodlands, and also runs Thursday Sports Nights, providing fun and games for hundreds of local children.

Question? Contact: TurkeyTrot@franklinparkcoalition.org
or call: 617-442-4141

Special team is forming for 2013 runners who did not cross the finish line on Boylston Street

The Franklin Park Coalition is accepting applications for runners who did not have an opportunity to cross the finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon. For those who are interested in running with a great team atmosphere and supportive fundraising staff, please consider filling out this special application.

Our fundraising minimum for this special category of runners is $500.00 and includes team gear, USATF certified coaching, supported group runs, and being a part of a fantastic team!

If you are a runner from the 2013 Boston Marathon who did not finish and have secured entry by deferment.: 
2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner

Please feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader with any questions at julie@franklinparkcoaition.org.

Want to be a part of greatness?

Apply to run with the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team today! Our selection process will begin soon, so there is still time to get your application in!

Click here to view our application: 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application.

General Registration Information for the 2014 Boston Marathon

From a Boston Athletic Association press release:

FOR RELEASE ON AUGUST 29, 2013 AT 10:00 A.M. ET
2014 BOSTON MARATHON REGISTRATION TO BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 9.
FIELD SIZE SET AT 36,000 OFFICIAL ENTRANTS FOR 2014 RACE.

BOSTON -- Registration for the 2014 Boston Marathon will open on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The B.A.A. will use the same process to register qualified runners as it used in the 2012 and 2013 Marathons, allowing the fastest qualifiers to register first.
Registration will be held entirely online at www.baa.org. The qualification window for the 2014 Boston Marathon began last year on September 22, 2012.

In addition, in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route, the B.A.A. has set the field size for the 2014 Boston Marathon at 36,000 official entrants. The 118th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014 and will mark the 29th consecutive year that the event will have John Hancock Financial Services as its principal sponsor.

Registration will occur on a “rolling admission” schedule, beginning with the fastest qualifiers. On Monday, September 9, eligible runners who have met the qualifying standard for their age and gender by 20 minutes or more may register. On Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. ET, if space remains, registration will open for those who have met their qualifying standard by 10 minutes or more. If space remains, registration will open on Friday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET for those who have met their qualifying standard by five minutes or more. Registration will close on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

If space remains after the first week of registration (Monday, September 9 through Saturday, September 14), then registration will re-open for all qualifiers from Monday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET through Friday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET. If space remains after this initial period, then on Monday, September 23 registration will re-open to anyone who meets the qualifying standards. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached.
“The B.A.A. is aware of the significantly increased interest in registering for the 2014 Boston Marathon,” said B.A.A. Executive Director Tom Grilk. “The rolling admission schedule will provide runners with the fastest qualifying times in their age and gender group the ability to have their entry accepted in an orderly and systematic manner. We understand many marathoners and qualifiers want to run Boston in 2014, and we appreciate the support and patience that the running community has demonstrated because of the bombings that occurred this past Spring.”

The registration process ensures that the fastest qualifiers will be accepted first. However, achieving one’s qualifying standard does not guarantee entry. Those who are the fastest among the pool of applicants in their age and gender group will be accepted.
The registration fee for the 2014 Boston Marathon for qualifiers is $175 USD for United States residents and $225 USD for international residents.

A special registration period for the 2013 Boston Marathon began on August 19 and concludes today (August 29 at 5:00 p.m. ET) for 2013 Boston Marathon starters who reached the half marathon checkpoint or later but did not have the opportunity to cross the finish line on Boylston Street. Those 5624 runners were contacted by the B.A.A. via email; thus far, more than 4,500 entries have been received.

For the last several months, the B.A.A. has worked with state and municipal agencies and public safety officials to establish a field size of 36,000 entrants for the 2014 Boston Marathon. In 1996, the Centennial Boston Marathon had a field size of 38,708 entrants and 35,868 finishers. "Interested runners have been remarkably respectful and cooperative as we worked towards what will be an important day in the history of the race, the sport and the City of Boston,” said Grilk. “The B.A.A. offers special thanks and gratitude to the town, city and state officials for the cooperation and allowances needed to conduct a special race of this size and scope."

BOSTON MARATHON REGISTRATION DATES:

Monday, September 9 - Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 20 minutes, 00 seconds or faster.

Wednesday, September 11 - Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 10 minutes, 00 seconds or faster (if space remains).

Friday, September 13 - Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 5 minutes, 00 seconds or faster (if space remains).

Monday, September 16 - All qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard (if space remains).

Friday, September 20 - Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. ET.

If space remains after this initial period, then on Monday, September 23 registration will re-open to anyone who meets the qualifying standards on a first come, first served basis. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached.

A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES:

The 2014 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014.

The qualifying standards for the 2014 Boston Marathon, shown below, are the same as the qualifying standards for the 2013 Boston Marathon.

There is no 59 second “cushion” allowed for qualifying times for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

The B.A.A. will make an announcement if the field size limit is reached prior to the conclusion of the registration period.

Though the B.A.A. will email registrants upon the completion of their form, runners are not officially entered into the race until their qualifying time is verified. This length of time may vary and can be as long as several days, depending on the qualifying marathon.

The qualification window for the 2014 Boston Marathon began on Saturday, September 22, 2012 and will remain open until the conclusion of registration.

The qualification window for the 2015 Boston Marathon will begin on Saturday, September 14, 2013.

Registration dates for the 2015 Boston Marathon have not yet been announced.

The qualifying standards for the 2015 Boston Marathon, shown below, are the same as the qualifying standards for the 2013 and 2014 Boston Marathon.

The 2015 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015.

2014 BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFYING STANDARDS (effective September 22, 2012)
All standards below are based on official submitted net time.
AGE GROUP
MEN
WOMEN
18-34
3hrs 05min 00sec
3hrs 35min 00sec
35-39
3hrs 10min 00sec
3hrs 40min 00sec
40-44
3hrs 15min 00sec
3hrs 45min 00sec
45-49
3hrs 25min 00sec
3hrs 55min 00sec
50-54
3hrs 30min 00sec
4hrs 00min 00sec
55-59
3hrs 40min 00sec
4hrs 10min 00sec
60-64
3hrs 55min 00sec
4hrs 25min 00sec
65-69
4hrs 10min 00sec
4hrs 40min 00sec
70-74
4hrs 25min 00sec
4hrs 55min 00sec
75-79
4hrs 40min 00sec
5hrs 10min 00sec
80 and over
4hrs 55min 00sec
5hrs 25min 00sec
An additional 59 seconds will NOT be accepted for each age group time standard. That is, there is no cushion or flexibility with the minimum qualifying time for purposes of qualification eligibility.
About the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors, along with the international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Nearly 50,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2013. The 118th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
MEDIA: For further information, please contact
Jack Fleming, B.A.A. Director of Marketing & Communications
(office: 617-778-1627; fleming@baa.org)
Marc Davis, B.A.A. Communications Manager
(office: 617-778-1633; mobile: 703-439-0751; mdavis@baa.org)
# # #

The Summer Youth Conservation Crew

One of the biggest pieces of the pie of the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Team's fundraising goes to the Summer Youth Conservation Crew. The "crew" consists of 20-30 teens as well as supervisors who spend their learning about the environment and history of 527 acres of Franklin Park by caring for it each day. Besides working to preserve the park, these kids also get lessons in landscaping, gardening, landscape architecture, and managing a business as well as a chance to explore the White Mountains. For many, this is their first time exploring a wooded area, let along garnering an appreciation for it. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing stories from the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and their experiences in the park. Some are funny, some are touching, some show a passion for history and the environment, and some show an appreciation for earning real money. Some are a combination of all of these factors.

We invite you to continue to support the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and the good work of the Franklin Park Coalition. To learn more, visit www.franklinparkcoalition.org. 

Con-grad-ulations to Elizabeth Belcher

Congratulations to team member Elizabeth Belcher on her graduation last week! We're proud to have such a creative person and hard worker on our Franklin Park Coaltion Boston Marathon Team!

The 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team will have another chance to cross the finish in 2014!

Hours ago, team members from the Franklin Park Coalition who did not cross the finish line received an email stating that they will be welcomed back to run again in 2014. Needless to say, we, as an organization are thrilled for our runners who worked so hard fundraising and training. They will have the opportunities they truly deserve on April 21, 2014.

We extend out sincere gratitude to the Boston Athletic Association for making this possible--it is no easy feat. The logistics of a normal Boston Marathon are herculean and adding in close to 6000 additional runners could have only made it more challenging!

The FPC will be welcoming back all 2013 runners who would like to be a part of the team. We are suggesting a modest fundraising amount to cover clothing, training, and administrative costs, but otherwise will offer full benefits to all of our 2013 runners. 

We will also be offering a similar opportunity to any 2013 runner who will have their number secured by the BAA. Perhaps you qualified or ran for a charity that does not have a program this year--either way, we'd be happy to take an application and consider you for our team.

In the month following the bombings, we hope that this great news cheers our runners, their friends and families, and brings resilience to all.

For more information, please check out the application: 2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner Application

Please join our team in a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today

The Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team will be observing a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today in commemoration of last Monday's tragic events. 

Here are the details from the Boston Athletic Association Website:

One Fund Boston, Mayor Menino, and Governor Patrick Call for Moment of Silence at 2:50 p.m. ET on Monday Afternoon

One Minute of Silence Followed by Ringing of Bells Across the Region

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Governor Deval L. Patrick, and One Fund Boston are calling upon Boston and all communities across the Commonwealth to join together in a Moment of Silence on Monday afternoon, exactly one week following the Boston Marathon bombings.

The minute of silence will take place at 2:50 p.m. ET to honor the victims of the attacks and their families. It will be followed by the ringing of bells throughout Boston and the Commonwealth.

Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick are humbled by the support shown by the public and the business community, and they continue to encourage everyone to visit onefundboston.org to make a donation to help the victims of this tragedy.

The B.A.A. will join in support and in honor of the victims and their families.

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team Update

Many thanks to our followers and fans of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team for their continued support to our team. We are in the process of working on a "debrief" of the season and will have that posted soon. Needless to say our 2013 season was amazing--full of dedicated runners, staff, volunteers, friends and family. Unfortunately, the tragic events of April 15, 2013 marred an otherwise excellent season and picture perfect day.

We also want to thank the many that have reached out for us to consider running for the Franklin Park Coalition in 2014. At this point, we have not been contacted by the Boston Athletic Association about the amount of charity numbers we will have and are not accepting applications at this point. You are welcome to review the application on this site or at www.franklinparkcoalition.org to learn about the basics.

Feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org with any questions. Inquiries will be responded to within one week.

Again, gratitude from the Franklin Park Coalition for the massive amount of support for the 2013 team.

Carraro's Cornhole for the Coalition a Great Success!

If you didn't get a chance to enjoy Sunday Funday at Murphy's in Salem on Sunday then you missed out on a great fundraiser for the Franklin Park Coalition! Team member Jason Carraro put together a fun-filled day with a local pub and Boston Cornhole. There was camraderie as well as smack talk, but at the end of the day, all raised a glass to the success of the FPC...and other walked away with Celtics tickets and wine and steak baskets.

To join in the fun for other events, please check our team calendar often! We've got pub nights, pizza eating, more cornhole, comedy nights and more...all to make training and fundraising more fun for our team and to give our donors a little something back.

Emerald Necklace Fun Run with Playworks; Pounding the Pavement in Florida; Ocean Breezes

Our runners have been busy the past couple of weeks as training for the 2013 Boston Marathon has kicked off. Coach Toomey has some members running circles at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury on Tuesday nights, but the real fun has been in the long run...or what seems like a long run at this point!

Julie and Goofy pal Andrew cooling down after 39.3 miles .

On January 12-13, Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison participated in the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge in Orlando, FL. "There is nothing like 39.3 miles of running to kick off marathon training," is what she says, followed by a "never again." While the run was well supported and blast, it was also hovered between 80-85 degrees for much of the runs. Needless to say there were some 2012 Boston Marathon flashbacks!



True to her 2012 form, Shari will continue to entertain us with her stories and fun from her runs. Shari followed Route 127 on the North Shore from Beverly to Manchester-By-The-Sea...which makes for a lovely summer run, but a challenge in the winter months! Reports of head wind on the loop back along with a nasty uphill added to the challenge, but we're sure a post-run red wine warmed Shari up quick!

Franklin hanging out in Tampa Bay.

Team member Michelle Collier has been away on business in Tampa, but that hasn't stopped her from taking in 13.5 miles with sightings of loons flying, and fish, ducks, and even a dolphin in the Bay. Plus, our NH runner just thought that running in shorts in January was a perk! Plus, she found some shoutouts to our fair city along the way.

"I went a long way to find a taste of Boston."

The highlight of the week was the our first joint run with the Playworks team. In order to consolidate resources and bring groups of charity runners together, great minds collided and great runners practiced for around 12 miles on the Emerald Necklace. The plan was to start in Franklin Park, travel along the Arborway, loop around Jamaica Pond, and head back...but one knows what they say about best laid plans! Team leaders Julie and Jon tried to keep up with the loops and wrong turns of our teams and eventually everyone got their needed miles and needed hydration along the way...plus they were treated to some great sites along the EN!

Babbling Winter Brook in Franklin Park...while waiting...waiting...waiting for lost runners!

Teammates flying around Jamaica Pond

Almost done...through the Forest Hills Underpass

Fanciest water stop on the Emerald Necklace this weekend!

Next week, the team tackles the North Shore, some increased mileage, and continued fun in preparing for the Boston Marathon!