Photo: FayFoto and BAA.org
For the second consecutive year, the Friends of the Public Garden has a Boston Marathon team. Five people will be running in this historic foot race from Hopkinton to Boston, specifically to support the care of the Boston Common, Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Meet our marathoners and learn about what inspired them to run this race for our historic green spaces.
Brian says, “When I discovered Friends of the Public Garden was seeking runners, I was ecstatic. I knew this would be a perfect fit for me. I understand the effort and resources it requires to keep these special places in excellent condition, available to the public and protected from commercial encroachment.” Brian was a member of the 2013 Friends of the Public Garden Marathon Team and was unable to complete the race due to the bombing incident that day.
Kate has loved the Common and the Mall ever since she arrived in Boston in 2004 as a freshman at Boston University. She says, “After moving back to Boston in 2010 I would walk through the Common before and after every job interview downtown. A perfect place to reflect on the conversations had and evaluate potential opportunities, I found myself appreciating it in new ways.”
Lori Shoemaker
Lori was a member of the 2013 Friends Marathon Team and was prevented from completing the race due to the day’s events. She has returned as a member of the 2014 Friends team to support our wonderful green spaces and finish the race. She says, “Green spaces are crucial to any city and Boston’s Common, Public Garden and the Commonwealth Ave Mall are truly extraordinary. When I was living in Boston, these green spaces were very much a part of my life and I always found ways to make sure they were on my route to where ever I was headed!”
Robert Rogers
It has been a year of firsts for Rob. He moved to Boston to begin a residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and is preparing for his inaugural Boston marathon. As a Beacon Hill resident and avid runner, Rob appreciates having these historic parks in his new backyard and says that he runs through “the beautifully maintained Common and Public Garden” several times a week.
Kristina Vetter
As a child, Kristina used these parks frequently as her neighborhood park and recalls her mother taking her on daily walks through the Public Garden. Although she resides in California, her family’s commitment to these green spaces remains strong today. Her father, Frank Mead is a long-time supporter of the Friends and a current board member.
The Friends would like to express their grateful appreciation to the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program for their generous support.
