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. 

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

FPC Boston Marathon runner Craig Kiest part of west coast Remembrance Run

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Runner Craig Kiest was was part of Remembrance Run in his native Portland, OR last week. After an overwhelming greeting by family and friends when he stepped off the plane, he gathered with over 1000 local runners to pay tribute to last Monday's tragic events.

Craig Kiest said he remembers fellow runners who dropped everything to pray.“You definitely think you missed a bullet,” he said. “I’m not going to let it stop me.” Kiest is considering rejoining the team for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

To view the article and watch the news footage, please visit: /www.kgw.com/news/local/Thousands-cross-Willamette-for-Boston-Remembrance-Run-203630051.html

Oregon Runner Craig Kiest Exceeds Fundraising Goal for the Franklin Park Coalition

Choosing a landscape architect to run for the Franklin Park Coalition seemed a natural choice. Frederick Law Olmsted is considered the father of American landscape architecture and is the designer of Franklin Park. Olmsted considered Franklin Park to be one of his greatest works of art, combining decades of experience in planning with proximity of the harbor and the Great Blue Hills. 

For Craig Kiest (in orange on the left), choosing Franklin Park was more than a tribute to the fine work that Olmsted completed more than a century ago. For this seasoned runner who is close to completing 50 marathons in 50 states, he sees the health and fitness benefits that come from a safe place to train and play. Through his travels he has seen many places and believes in the good work that the Franklin Park Coalition is doing to provide fitness opportunities but also in teaching future generations the importance of preserving parks and open space.

Craig's donation was fufilled by the Richard and Janet Geary Foundation. The foundation focuses on giving to arts, youth support, healthcare research  higher education, and regional and national policy. Voted one of the top 50 Oregon foundations, the gift is much appreciated.