Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon ® is the world’s oldest annual marathon and running it is a major “bucket list” item for serious distance runners throughout the world. The John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program provides a way for runners who might not otherwise qualify to run this marathon to participate. John Hancock has been the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon for over 30 years. The Non-Profit Program provides over 1,000 Boston Marathon® bibs to select non-profit organizations throughout the community, which provides organizations with a significant fundraising opportunity. Last year, John Hancock Non-Profit Runners raised over $13.1M for their causes.
Massage therapists play a big role in the annual Boston Marathon by helping athletes at all levels prepare and recover from this great event. Since 2013, the Massage Therapy Foundation has been grateful for the opportunity to participate in this charity program to bring more awareness to the benefits of massage. Fundraising for the Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service.
The Massage Therapy Foundation Team MTF—Running for Research was most recently honored to receive four charity bibs to run in the 127th Boston Marathon, which took place Monday, April 17, 2023.
Have interest in running and fundraising in a future marathon for the Foundation? Click here to fill out our Runner Interest Form.
Please email mgamze@massagetherapyfoundation.org with any questions.
Mary White describes Massage Therapy Foundation’s participation in the Boston Marathon as part of John Hancock’s Non-Profit Marathon program.
“Self-care is absolutely critical and is at the heart of my training and recovery regimens. Massage therapy is a big part of my routine, along with physical therapy and a wholesome diet. Training for long distances is a difficult endeavor; and massage therapy helps me prepare, recover, and reset physically and mentally. It also helps me get the good night’s sleep that I need to give it my all.”
-Desi Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon Champion and two-time Olympian
Team MTF—Running for Research Champions by Year
2023 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: $68,754
Marshall Dahneke (UT)
Rulon Dahneke (UT)
David Gonzalez (FL)
Dennis Jones (FL)
Theresa Seitz (FL)
2022 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: $50,059
Nancy Anderson Dollinger, Bismark, ND
Stacey Breslin, Schuylkill, PA
Lauren Hirsch, Carmichael, CA
Sarah Lau-Melby, Holmen, WI
2021 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: $52,486
Shari Aldrich (WA)
Kelly Cartus (NY)
Rich Evonitz (IL)
Oliver Layco (CA)
2020 Team MTF—Running for Research*
Total donations raised: $35,549
Shari Aldrich (WA)
Kelly Cartus (NY)
Oliver Layco (CA)
Monika Hill, (PA)
*The Massage Therapy Foundation Team MTF—Running for Research was honored to receive four charity bibs to run in the 124th Boston Marathon, slated for an original date of April 20, 2020.
Four Team MTF runners were selected and began training and fundraising. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2020 Boston Marathon was initially postponed and then ultimately cancelled. Our 2020 team collectively raised $35,549 of their $50,100 goal before the cancellation of the 2020 Boston Marathon. Our deep thanks go to our generous donors, whose contributions will still continue to support MTF’s research, education, and community service initiatives.
2019 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: $66,163
Rocky Chen (OK)
Joyce Prahasky (FL)
Kim Nimmo (WY)
John Cassinerio (WA)
2018 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: $64,789
Shadonne Harris (MD)
Desiree Bourgois van Oosting (ND)
Teresa Matthews (FL)
Lindsay Bodkin (NY)
2017 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: Raised $61,190
Vincent Dufort (NH)
Christine Bailor – Goodlander (NY)
Jodi Newman (CO)
Collette Wilson (KY)
2016 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: Raised $45,833
David Otto (NV)
Nicole Bucar (OH)
Marcy Cook (NC)
2015 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: Raised $43,200
Nathan Nordstrom (WA)
Angie Parris-Raney (CO)
John Combe (OR)
2014 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: Raised $60,510
Kathy Laskye (CO)
Kristen Lutz (MA)
Karen Moers (FL)
The 2013 Team also got the chance to run in the 2014 race due to the tragedy in 2013.
2013 Team MTF—Running for Research
Total donations raised: Raised $51,295
Kathy Borsuk (NJ)
Tom Heidenberger (WI)
Les Sweeney (CO)
Please direct any marathon-related questions to Marla Gamze at mgamze@massagetherapyfoundation.org