Boston Marathon 2025 – B.A.A. – Message from B.A.A. President & CEO Jack Fleming

A Message from B.A.A. President & CEO Jack Fleming

In the second of a four-part series, we learn about two organizations in the Towns of Brookline and Natick that are supported by the Boston Marathon and the impact this has on the local communities well beyond marathon day.

The Town of Brookline is the penultimate town runners pass through on their way to the finish line (miles 22.45 – 24.70). Team Brookline launched in 2012 with The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health leading the program that distributes their Boston Marathon entries to local non-profits. Since its inception, Team Brookline has organized more than 395 runners who have raised $3.42 million to benefit those who live, work, and go to school in Brookline.

The Town of Natick is the fourth of the eight towns and cities along the course, welcoming runners from miles 7.52 to 11.72.

As we shared last month, the Boston Athletic Association has announced that Schneider Electric is the Official Sustainability Partner for all B.A.A. events, including the iconic Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.

So, what’s next?

Together we will be setting emission targets and developing an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report to share with you all very soon.

Honoring a mother.

How do you define legacy? For Olivia Carlson, it’s channeling inspiration from her mom, Trish, while she trains for the Boston Marathon. As a charity runner and first-time marathoner, Olivia is raising funds for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF).

Many of Olivia’s memories of her mom involve running. Trish ran while pregnant, then with a jogging stroller, and completed countless races (ranging from 5Ks to the 200-mile Green Mountain Relay) during her lifetime. Trish was so dedicated to running, that she continued even while battling colorectal cancer.

“After extensive chemo and radiation, my mom had surgery in Boston to remove part of her pelvis,” Olivia explains. “Just a few weeks later, despite being in immense pain, she won her age group in a 5K. She was incredible. My mom ran until she couldn’t anymore. And now, I’m honored to run for her and for JAF.”

JAF is a non-profit that supports New England families battling cancer. Donations help cover essentials like groceries, transportation to treatment, and other expenses, easing the burdens families face during a difficult time. Learn more about JAF at https://joeandruzzifoundation.org/.

Olivia Gomez, 25

Chicago, IL

One Summit

We continue our Runner Spotlight series profiling some of the incredible participants who are preparing to run the 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America for one of our official charities.

„I am thrilled to be raising money for One Summit to build resilience and facilitate growth in pediatric cancer patients & their siblings through experiential learning, mentorship, and community engagement with US Navy SEALs.”

One Summit was founded by Olivia’s family friend, Adam La Reau, who served as a Navy SEAL and sourced inspiration from his own mother’s fight against breast cancer. Since 2014, One Summit has united over 550 children impacted by cancer with a US Navy SEAL mentor through their signature program – Climb for Courage.

During Climb for Courage, the SEALs help facilitate individual challenges in a safe and controlled indoor-rock-climbing environment that encourages the kids to learn how to achieve growth through adversity and teamwork while gaining new abilities, having fun, and forming new relationships.

“As the daughter of a Navy SEAL and a mother who fought breast cancer, I have a deep appreciation for One Summit’s inspiration and mission. Both of my parents have exemplified what physical and mental strength looks like in difficult times, and the children and families supported by One Summit deserve the same type of role models to support their battles with cancer.

“While I ‘swore-off running’ after my last high school country race – New England Team Championships in 2016 – I knew I would one day sign up to run the Boston Marathon. It has taken eight years for that to come to fruition, and thankfully less than that to get back into running, with two marathons tackled after graduating college.

“Those can be considered the practice runs for Boston – my home city marathon with the Boylston finish line where I’ve cheered many friends and family on over the years. The opportunity to run for a local mission-driven organization that I deeply admire is the icing on the cake.

“The Boston Marathon has always been that ‚one day‘ north star for me. After spectating in 2013 and thankfully being clear of Boylston Street before the events that followed, Boston Strong gave the marathon a newfound meaning for me. Twelve years later, I could not be more excited to run the race with my dad and I can’t wait to join the ranks of others who have crossed the Boylston finish line.

“I must give a shoutout to my mother who has the privilege of spectating all of these races and watching her four kids take turns running with their dad. She is our head cheerleader, our daily inspiration, and the most physically and mentally tough Gomez family member.”

To support Olivia’s cause, visit her GivenGain site.

What’s Happening at the Reggie?

Looking for a supportive group to help you ease into running or simply stay active? The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center’s new running club is here for you! Whether you’re just starting or looking for a welcoming community, enjoy FREE access to coaches and the indoor track every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning.

No experience needed—just bring yourself and a desire to move!

Find out more HERE.

Volunteering with the Boston Athletic Association

Without our incredible volunteers, the B.A.A. could not do what we do. Our volunteers support a wide range of events and come from all walks of life to give their time and energy to help deliver the best experience possible for everyone involved.

Here’s why one of our volunteers‘ loves being a part of our work.

“My name is Jyotirmaya Patro (JP). I am from India and moved to the U.S in 2023 to pursue my education. I am currently pursuing my dual master’s degree at Boston University. I am also a global advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), with a focus on driving inclusivity through community engagement and technology.”

When did you first volunteer with the B.A.A.?

“I first volunteered with the Boston Athletic Association during the 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America and in the Boston Half Marathon at the end of last year. These experiences marked a significant turning point for me, as I had the opportunity to contribute to two of the most iconic athletic events in Boston, engaging with a large and diverse community.”

Why did you want to volunteer with the B.A.A.?

“Considering my humble roots, I have always felt an inner drive to give back to the community. Volunteering gives me a deep sense of fulfillment, not just in creating positive impact, but in experiencing the joy that comes from serving others. It’s more than just internal peace—it’s the joy of knowing that I can make a difference, no matter how small the gesture. Every time I contribute, I feel my heart and soul connect to something greater than myself. This sense of shared purpose, where people come together to uplift each other, is what motivates me to volunteer.”

What do you enjoy most about being a B.A.A. volunteer?

“As a people-person, I feel truly blessed to interact with so many diverse individuals during events like the Boston Marathon. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share knowledge, hear others’ stories, and collectively build a positive environment.”

What have your roles been when volunteering?

“At the marathon, I had the privilege of working at the water station, where I served athletes with energy drinks and water. At the half marathon, I was a food volunteer near the end of the race, providing much-needed refreshments to athletes after their intense runs.”

And finally…

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteering with the B.A.A. has been my personal expression of solidarity and support for the community. I paint my hands and face as a way to immerse myself fully in the spirit of the event and to communicate my commitment to the right branding message. My face and hand painting are symbolic of my desire to give back and share a smile with others. This passion for sharing joy and supporting the community is what drives me to volunteer and be part of such a wonderful event.

“Through creativity and passion, we build bridges, foster inclusivity, and uplift those around us. Volunteering reminds us that every small gesture makes a difference, creating a shared purpose and joy.”

Learn more about our volunteer opportunities HERE and if you have a story to share from your volunteer experiences with the B.A.A., fill out this form and you could find yourself featured in the coming months.

Another big month for the B.A.A. Running Club and High Performance Team.

Team B.A.A’s Megan Hasz (70:13) and Barry Keane (61:22) ran big PR’s in the Houston Half Marathon on January 11th.

B.A.A. Running Club Memer Garrett Tingle ran 68 miles on his 68th bday.

USATF-New England Masters Indoor Track Championships in Providence, RI on Sunday January 26th:

Ashley Jensen was the fastest masters woman overall, winning the women’s 40+ 3km race in 12:06.20

Michael McGrane won the men’s 50+ 3km race in 10:42.73

Name: My Truong

Where are you from? I’m from Vietnam and I’m currently living in Boston, MA.

What do you do for the B.A.A.? I oversee the expenses, purchase orders, and monitor the revenue coming into the B.A.A.

What is your favorite B.A.A. event to be part of and why?

My favorite B.A.A. event to be a part of is the Boston Marathon. When I am spectating at the start area, I see all the runners preparing mentally and getting into the mindset of going for their goals and striving to finish the race. At the finish area, I see the runners exhausted but their joyful smiles and tears of happiness too. They’ve done it!

Give us a fun fact about you!

I enjoy walking. It allows me to reflect on where I am and where I want to be.

If you could be any marathon runner from past or present, who would it be and why?

The marathon runner I admire the most is Andrew Erskine. I agree with his statement, “In marathon running, the amount of time and effort you put in strongly correlates to your end results.” By committing to practice running or a skill and striving to improve, then results will be shown. At first, I started to run a mile, and I would get exhausted and be out of breath. In the next run, I saw progress and I felt a lot better.

B.A.A. Stands with Los Angeles

Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected across the Los Angeles region. The B.A.A. has supported the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region with their work. You can also support their efforts HERE.

Mass. Track & Field Association seeks new members

The Massachusetts Track & Field Officials Association seeks new officials for the upcoming interscholastic track & field seasons. Track & Field consists of three seasons. In the fall there is cross country meets, in the winter there is an indoor track season and finally in spring there is an outdoor season.

The process to become a certified official is rather simple. Once a candidate applies for membership a rule book is sent to the candidates and they must pass an open book quiz followed by an online class. Our members officiate track meets at local high schools and colleges and also other meets including the Boston Marathon. During our peak seasons of winter & spring there are track meets seven days a week.

For further information please contact, Jeffrey Blonder at mtfoa.membership@gmail.com or find out more HERE.

The Boston Run Show is March 1-2, 2025!

Book FREE tickets to The Boston Run Show!

Limited Availability! The expo returns March 1-2, 2025 and collocates with The Boston Outdoor Expo for the first time. Don’t miss incredible guest speakers including Laz Lake, Des Linden, Dylan Bowman, Alex Hermanson and many more!

Use code BAA for free tickets, available for a limited time only.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to B.A.A. Running Club team member Garrett Tingle who turned 68 at the end of January and celebrated by running 68 miles on his treadmill! We hope he enjoyed some well-earned cake after.

© 2025 B.A.A.

This is an official publication of the Boston Athletic Association

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