October 11, 2021 by Laura Winters
Today, October 11, 2021, is the 125th running of the oldest contested marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon. For the first time in history, the marathon is being run in October, giving this year's race a special distinction in the event's storied history.
Hingham participants are joining runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, all hoping to earn this year's special commemorative unicorn medal. This medal honors and celebrates their unique place in history as the first Boston Marathoners to complete the race in the fall rather than the spring.
While many stories are coursing through the streets of Boston on marathon day, we've decided to highlight a few of our local marathoners, as told in their own words.
To all of today's participants, Hingham is rooting for you. Good luck and have a great race.
Amy Doherty
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
I knew I wanted to run one final marathon and when the changed the date to October, that was it!
How many marathons have you run?
5
How many times have you run the Boston Marathon?
2
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
Mass General Pediatric Cancer Team
Why is this charity important to you?
I began working with Dr. Howard Weinstein, Chief of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at the Mass General Hospital for Children, in 2007, helping him fundraise for his department. I was able to see firsthand how the money raised through this marathon program is spent and it truly is an unbelievable cause.
What are some of your favorite songs to listen to during training?
Britney, Kanye, Eminem, Metallica- I'm all over the place!
What is your favorite local training route?
Main Street - from the Square up to Queen Anne's Corner and back is beautiful!
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Smoothie and Avocado Toast
Support Amy's charity here.
https://www.givengain.com/ap/peter-paull-raising-funds-for-south-shore-hospital-inc-37431/
Christian Stone
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
My son, George
How many marathons have you run?
None
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
Yes, I am running for the Lurie Center for Autism at MGH and Mass. Fallen Heroes
Why is this charity important to you?
For the profound impact these organizations have made on our family, as well as all those individuals and families these organizations support.
What are some of your favorite songs to listen to during training?
For shorter runs, I listen to just anything from classic rock to Lady Gaga to Metallica. For longer runs, I tend to listen to podcasts such as A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek, Dare to Lead with Brene Brown, and TEDTalks. I will start playing music to mix it up and as I get closer to my goal.
What is your favorite local training route?
I've enjoyed running all around the different neighborhoods of Hingham while mixing in a run to Nantasket Beach and back.
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
I've never run a marathon before so not sure yet, but am thinking a plain bagel with peanut butter may do the trick!
You can support Christian's charity here.
https://because.massgeneral.org/fundraiser/3355499
Jim McDonough
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
My good friend, Kevin Flike, is a retired Green Beret that was shot during his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. He suffered life threatening injuries including losing the use of his left leg. He vowed to run the marathon one day and he’s fulfilling his dream this year. Kevin has been receiving treatment through the TB12 Foundation to aide in his recovery. He called me in May of this year to let me know that there was one spot left on Team TB12 to run the race. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support him and raise money for the foundation.
How many marathons have you run?
This will be my first
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
TB12 Foundation
Why is this charity important to you?
They help veterans and at-risk athletes who would not ordinarily be able to access or afford high-quality post-injury rehabilitation and/or performance enhancement training. It is particularly important to me because of the work they have done with my friend, Kevin Flike.
What are some of your favorite songs to listen to during training?
My Shot - The Roots, Til I Collapse - Eminem, Animal - Pearl Jam
What is your favorite local training route?
Running in Wompatuck and/or near the Harbor
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Smoothie
You can support Jim's charity here.
https://www.givengain.com/ap/jim-mcdonough-raising-funds-for-tb12-foundation/
Katherine Forbes
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
I ran the 100th Boston Marathon 25 years ago and had a goal to run the 125th. I was also supposed to run the 2020 marathon but it was canceled.
How many marathons have you run?
17
How many times have you run the Boston Marathon?
11 I started running the Boston Marathon in my mid-20's when you could run "back of the pack" without a number!
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
South Shore Hospital Marathon Team
Why is this charity important to you?
I am raising funds for the cancer center in memory of my father who passed away in December of Pancreatic Cancer and for Hingham friends Barbara Cook and Justin Teague who wonderful lives were cut short because of cancer.
What is your favorite local training route?
I run lots of loops in Wompatuck Park and have to thank my husband for dropping off water and snacks for me!
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Whole grain toast with bananas and honey
You can support Katherine's charity here.
https://www.givengain.com/ap/katherine-forbes-raising-funds-for-south-shore-hospital-inc/
Pete Paull
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
To support the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital in celebration of the life of my mother-in-law, Maria Emilia Guenechea.
How many marathons have you run?
0
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital
Why is this charity important to you?
For the past 4-5 years as a Hospitalist at South Shore Health, I have cared for cancer patients admitted to the hospital and witnessed the strong partnership between Dana-Farber and South Shore Health. However, the mission of Dana Farber and its connection to South Shore Health became more personal when my mother-in-law was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The tremendous support, empathy and exceptional care that was given to Emilia at DFCC was beyond anything we could have asked for. Our family is incredibly grateful to the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital for the care provided to Emilia and all of their patients.
What are some of your favorite songs to listen to during training?
Bad Habits-Ed Sheehan, Bury It-Chvrches, So Aware-John Brown's Body
What is your favorite local training route?
From World's End to Wompatuck's Mount Blue Spring and back.
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Honey Stinger Caramel Waffle and Vanilla Gel
Support Pete's charity here.
https://www.givengain.com/ap/peter-paull-raising-funds-for-south-shore-hospital-inc-37431/
Todd Garland
What inspired you to run this year's Boston Marathon?
I'm turning 40 this year and have finally realized that I'm in the only body I'll ever get. Running for my family, myself, and for fun.
How many marathons have you run?
0
Are you running for a charity? If so, which one?
TB12 Foundation
Why is this charity important to you?
They help people of all ages and abilities stay active and healthy.
What are some of your favorite songs to listen to during training?
I have been running without music lately and enjoying that the most.
What is your favorite local training route?
Main Street to Central, through Hingham Downtown, and then Main Street to Middle, past the High School, Lazell/Charles and back to Main Street.
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
TB12's Bison Burger with Creamy Gypsy Cabbage and Sweet Potato Mash
You can support Todd's charity here.
This is a great highlight of Hingham runners.
Good luck to all!