Support Jasmin's Final Fundraising Push!

Jasmin is running to support youth and athletic programming in Franklin Park and needs your support to get through the final fundraising push. Even a $10.00 donation to her fundraising page will bring her that much closer.

Jasmin is a first-time marathoner who has been pushing her physical and mental limits and excelling in this tough training season. She loves Franklin Park and the opportunities that abound for biking, running, recreation, and fun.

To support Jasmin's push before tomorrow's deadline, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjasmin2014

Last Half Boston Marathon Training Run

Some of our runners took on the Boston Marathon course on Saturday--well--the last 13.1 miles of it. We have to say, our team is looking fantastic out there. Despite some creeky joints and messy ankles, it was a great day on the Newton Hills. Enjoy some pictures of our fabulous team and we'll have more details from the rest of the team later this week!

Can't wait to cross this on April 21.

We're trying to get our runners on the course--all of the course--so there are no surprises on Marathon Monday.

Hammah starts on the Newton Hills.

Jeanette and Mike looking strong on the first of the hills.

One of the more important turns on course.

Jeanette and Mike about mile 9 of the training run.

Jared is stylin' around training mile 9.

Javier and Debbie ready to plow through training mile 9.

Debbie looks radiant at training mile 9.

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

Mike Toomey continues his support of Franklin Park with a 2014 Boston Marathon run

Mike Toomey has been the volunteer coach for the Franklin Park Coalition team over the past few seasons and has decided to take his turn at running the 2014 Boston Marathon. He is USATF Level 2 Coach with extensive running experience, both personally and professionally.  He has been coaching since 1998 and have coached at the collegiate and high school levels and has been granted the NEC coach of the year award 8 times through his work at Marblehead High. Mike is 1995 graduate of UMass, an All-American in Cross-Country, and was on the 1991 NCAA National Championship Cross-Country Team... After college, Mike ran for Boston based Reebok racing team for 6 years. He has fond memories of running in Franklin Park over his career and looks forward to giving back even more. To support Coach Toomey’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Toomey-Runs-For-Franklin-Park

Richard Tabbut: Meet the Hammer on the FPC Boston Marathon team

Rich "the hammer" Tabbut is returning to the Boston for the final marathon of a long and rewarding personal journey with running that spans over 40 years. Franklin Park is the hub of NE Cross Country Running and it holds a special place in his heart. Rich, "the Hammer” Tabbut decided to run the 2013 Boston Marathon, representing the Wicked Running Club of Salem and in honor of his mother as his first marathon since 1996. Due to the tragic events of April 15, he was stopped about ½ a mile from the finish. Rich has decided to return to run the Boston Marathon in 2014, not just to recapture the happy times with his runner friends or for a marathon “swan song,” but also to thank Boston for all the wonderful things that were done for all of us there on that fateful day and afterwards. To support Hammer’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamrichard2014

She runs this park, she bikes this park...now she's raising money for this park. Meet Laura

Laura Smeaton is a resident of the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston.  She works at Harvard School of Public Health as a biostatistician for medical research in infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, with a focus on women's health.  She is also a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor and teaches bicycle safety through the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition.  Laura enjoys Franklin Park during all four seasons -- biking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  She is thrilled to be a part of the 2014 FPC Boston Marathon team! To support Laura’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamlaura2014

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

Meet Jeanette: ultra runner and ultra teammate

Jeanette Robinson has lived in Jamaica Plain for three years.  She is an attorney with an active practice in Newton.  After moving to JP from the North End, her love of running blossomed. With Franklin Park practically in her back yard, it became a frequent running destination. Running the Boston Marathon has been a goal of Jeanette’s since she crossed the finish line at her first half marathon. Jeanette looks forward to giving back to her community by running the Boston Marathon for the Franklin Park Coalition. To support Jeanette’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Boston-2014-Running-For-Franklin-Park-Coalition

Meet Derly: she's just plain Goofy!

Derly Ortiz has made Boston her home for over 25 years after emigrating from the Dominican Republic.  She enjoyed volunteering last year at the Boston Marathon and has always dreamed of being able to run in the iconic event. Derly found her passion in running more than 5 years ago.  She has completed numerous half marathons and with three marathons completed, is still counting! She just upped the running ante in Disney by running the 2014 Goofy challenge.

Derly is ecstatic to be running with the Franklin Park Coalition and is looking forward to raising funds for a cause very close to her community as well her family. To support Derly’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Derly-Runs-Boston-For-Franklin-Park-Coalition

RunDisney weekend for FPC runners.

Good luck to our team runners who are trekking to Florida for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. While Julie and Jared are kicking off their Boston Marathon training with the half marathon on Saturday, Derly will be taking on the Goofy Challenge. On Sunday, she'll run 13.1 miles, followed up by a full marathon on Sunday. 

Have runs and an enjoy the sun, runners!

Meet Margret: youth educator, runner, Bradley Cooper's future wife (she'll be donating extra for this public shoutout!)

Margaret Newell is very excited to join the Franklin Park Coalition Team this again year. She is honored to help support their efforts to provide families, especially youth, a safe place to run, walk, participate in activities, or just be together. A resident of Peabody, Margaret has been running off and on since high school and completed 14 half marathons, 5 sprint triathlons and the 2010, 2011 & 2013 Boston Marathons. She is excited to run Boston in 2014, and is really looking forward to crossing that finish line!  Margaret loves working at Everett High School as a guidance counselor and strives to set a good example for her students. In addition to running, Margaret likes to spend time with family and friends (particularly if there is a beach involved) and hanging out with her 7 year old Portuguese Water Dog, Buoy. She is also waiting for the day she finally meets her boyfriend, Bradley Cooper, who was a major motivating factor for a few of the FPC team members last year.  To support Margaret’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteammargaret2014

Meet Kevin: ready to rock year two with the Franklin Park Coalition

Kevin Meehan's motto this year is to make it across that finish line no matter what out of respect for those involved in the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. Kevin was stuck right at the bottle neck after Kenmore Square during the horrible events last year--so close yet so far away. 

This will be Kevin's fifth marathon and he's choosing the Franklin Park Coalition again this year to raise funds for because it is an amazing space for active people and for the youth of the area to enjoy and find summer work. He can't wait to work together with the great people on the FPC Team. Bring on the fun and the hills. 

The FPC Boston Marathon team has some comic relief...meet another 50 in 50 guy...meet Quang

Quang Le used to suffer extreme pain when he tried running more than a few miles--that was nine years ago. After surgery to take care of a congenital problem, he has been busy making up for all of those years of not running by participating in ultramarathons and triathlons. Quang is part of a group that is attempting to run 50 marathons in the 50 states and the 2014 Boston Marathon will check not only Massachusetts from his list, but will be a great way to celebrate the halfway point to reaching that goal. He is especially excited to run for the Franklin Park Coalition with a group that is dedicated to the mission of the park. With any free time leftover, you can find Quang enjoyed the great outdoors on the Boston Harbor Islands, camping and kayaking. To support Quang’s fundraising goals, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Q-Runs-For-Franklin-Park

Happy 2014 from the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team!

Out with the old and in with the new...

The Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team is excited for a fresh start with a New Year. 2013 brought more than it's share of challenges to the runners who represented us on April 15. Many of our runners are still grappling with the images, sounds, and thoughts related to April 15.

Our new team is built and ready to face the challenges that will help Franklin Park be a great neighbor, community advocate, and peaceful respite for all who enter. 

We wish you a year of peace and happiness and thank you for your support.

A landscape architect running for Franklin Park...meet Craig!

Craig Kiest, a landscape architect from Portland, OR, is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition team not just as a runner who didn't cross the finish line, but as a runner who qualified for the 2014 Boston Marathon while completing his trek of 50 marathons across the 50 states. He is looking forward to finishing what he started in 2013 and raising money and awareness for a great cause, despite the miles between home and a great Olmsted designed 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.

Meet Valerie: organizer, community gal, family woman, and park lover

Valerie Grabiel has lived within walking distance to Franklin Park for more than 15 years. In that time Franklin Park has been the backdrop for many seasonal celebrations, sledding adventures and afternoons at the zoo, playgrounds, and festivals for her and her family. Valerie took up running for the first time in early 2013 and with it discovered a new way to enjoy Franklin Park. She is thrilled to be joining the 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team to run in the city she loves while raising funds for this jewel of the Emerald Necklace that is in her own backyard. Professionally, Valerie has been involved with a number or community development and fundraising efforts, including a Main Streets program in JP. Amidst her training, work, and mornings rowing on the Charles River, she and her husband homeschool their three young children. They've already decided that this year their family will do a study unit on Franklin Park.  To support Valerie’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Valerie-Runs-For-And-In-The-Park-I-Love-Franklin-Park

Meet Jared: rock star, double marathon man, tech geek, park enthusiast

Jared Egan is a mobile software engineer, musician, wanna-be entrepreneur and of course a runner. By day, he works on iOS applications for PayPal in Downtown Boston and by night he plays guitar around the Boston area with his band, Sidewalk Driver. Jared lives in Jamaica Plain and has spent much time running around Franklin Park, the Arboretum, Forest Hills Cemetery, and up and down the Emerald Necklace. Running around outside is never a bad use of an hour or two. This will be his second Boston Marathon, and he is psyched that he'll once again have the best view of the biggest party in Boston. This time he plans to finish in the same socks he starts with. To support Jared’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjared2014

Wanna check out a little Sidewalk Driver in action? Go!