Jason Coleman

Age: 40

Where do you live? Los Angeles, California

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? I have run in six marathons but this will be my first in Boston.

Why did you choose Tenacity? I work in higher education and see the need for better prepared students; that can only happen with a strong educational foundation starting when they are young!

What inspires you on the long runs? I started running to finish a Disney race. Little did I know that I would fall in love with it. It has done so much good for me that I am so excited to start sharing some of that good with others. I look forward to my “own” time on long runs when I can put all of my concerns, worries, agendas, and responsibilities aside for a few hours and just run. It’s the most freeing experience in the world!

Dawn Edens

Age: 43

Where do you live? Nashville

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 10 total marathons, this will be the first time in Boston.

Why did you choose Tenacity? We wanted our amazing running group, SHErunners, to partner with an organization that believed in equipping others to do more and be more. Tenacity was a perfect fit because they focus on the whole package - academics, athletics, life skills and family involvement.

What inspires you on the long runs? Jeanne and I started running 4 years ago. We aren't elite athletes, we are simply 2 middle aged women who are trying to better ourselves. Over the past year and a half, we have had the privilege to be leading an incredible group of women called SHErunners. This virtual group understands the importance of community and holding each other accountable. We have witnessed hundreds of women accomplish goals they never thought would be possible. We know the value of this group and truly feel that by partnering with Tenacity, we could help hundreds of the Boston area youth accomplish goals they never thought were possible.

Jacqueline Gannon

Age: 25

Where do you live? South Boston

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? This will be my 3rd Boston Marathon (2013 and 2014 - didn’t get to finish in 2013 because of the bombs).

Why did you choose Tenacity? Combines my passion for connecting urban young adults with opportunity and love for playing and watching tennis!

What inspires you on the long runs? Picturing Marathon Monday and feeling the energy of the day….from waiting to start with the Tenacity team the morning of, to the crowds all along the route, to the sense of accomplishment you feel as you cross the finish line after a long winter of training! And, knowing that I’m raising money for a cause that’s impacting my own community in important ways.

Jeanne Goskie

Age: 47

Where do you live? Nashville, TN

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? I have run in 10 marathons but this will be my first in Boston.

Why did you choose Tenacity? Dawn and I were excited to find the right fit for our running group, SHErunners- looking for an organization that got involved, gave time, made a lasting difference. We loved the mission of Tenacity, pursuing kids and walking with them throughout school years and beyond.

What inspires you on the long runs? Dawn and I have only been running for a few years, after starting on a whim... But I've never felt more satisfaction from anything as I have from this experience- not just logging the miles or finishing a race, but from sharing our story with other people and inviting them to TRY. I think people want to be invited to try, by someone else who's tried, someone who's willing to keep trying alongside them and give high-fives along the way.

There's a kind of magical quality to the running community being a great place to try: no matter what vocation, size, creed, age, fitness or financial status, every person who lines up at a start line is headed out to do the same thing- run that race. There's respect and support, there's victory and celebration. It's been a remarkable gift to us. We often talk about we wish we'd found this kind of experience when we were younger... So we're elated to bring this story full-circle by helping kids experience the gift of trying through the support of Tenacity!

Bobby Gourdeau

Age: 27

Where do you live? Tampa, FL

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 2, this will be my second Boston Marathon.

Why did you choose Tenacity? I ran for Tenacity in the 2016 Boston Marathon and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not because I had run the 26.2 miles on a very difficult track, but because I was a part of Tenacity. I've been very blessed in my life with opportunities to attend great schools and kick start my career at a top Cloud Technology Firm. However, there are a lot of kids out there today who don't get the same opportunities. Not because it's their choice, but because they may just not have the resources nor the education to be successful, so they need our help to support them with their dreams and goals. That's exactly what Tenacity is for. I have had several interactions with these kids and I can tell you that they all have a tenacious spirit about them. They want to be successful, but need help with after school programming and coaching to get there.

What inspires you on the long runs? I love the adrenaline rush I get when I go for a long run. The first few miles are tough, but then you all of the sudden get into a rhythm where you feel that road is moving with you and nothing else matters in the world except for you and your run. It's an amazing feeling. Plus the fundraising motivates me to put one foot in front of the other.

How much are you trying to raise for Tenacity? I will be shooting for $10K this year. I raised about $7500 in 2016, so I feel with the help of family, friends, and strangers I can get there.

Lorrie Huegel

Age: 49 years young

Where do you live? Union, KY

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? This will be the first time in Boston but will be #6 overall.

Why did you choose Tenacity? I am actively involved in the Anthony Muñoz Foundation and Tenacity does a lot of the same things.

What inspires you on the long runs? I think about the wave of emotion that is going to come over me when I cross the finish line of the most epic of marathons with my family there, and that I am fulfilling an opportunity of a lifetime! I am training harder and smarter than I have for any other marathon. I was a little nervous about the whole fundraising thing at first because this not something I've done before, but I have such a great support system within the running community out here that it has been relatively easy and a whole lot of fun!!

Mark Josephs

Age: 50

Where do you live? Brookline, MA

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? I have run in two marathons but this will be my first in Boston.

Why did you choose Tenacity? I believe in the mission of assisting at-risk kids to set themselves up for success in secondary education and enabling them to have the opportunity to pursue higher education. In Washington DC, where I relocated from three years ago, I served as a mentor in a similar program for eight years. Tenacity has a strong record of success in outcomes.

What inspires you on the long runs? Running Boston is a part of my comeback from a very difficult period in my life. My relocation to Boston started a difficult period in my life, during which I dealt with professional and personal setbacks. The opportunity to run the marathon gives me a chance both to accomplish a goal and become more of a part of the Boston community. Raising funds as part of this effort for an organization in which I strongly believe just enhances my efforts and experience.

Christopher Marsh

Age: 29

Where do you live? Arlington, MA

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 2 - Mississippi River Marathon in 2013, Top of Utah in 2010. First time in Boston.

Why did you choose Tenacity? Because of Tenacity’s results. Their model is proven.

What inspires you on the long runs? Raising money for underprivileged youth by running marathons is nothing new for me. In 2013 I organized my own Boston-qualifying marathon called the Mississippi River Marathon which has raised thousands of dollars for Teach For America. I enjoy the privilege of raising money for causes I am passionate about. I get inspired on my long runs by listening to music, remembering my family and friends, and remembering all the kids my efforts are supporting. I’m looking forward to having a similar long-run experience on race day!

Maggie McGoldrick

Age: 25

Where do you live? NYC

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 1st Marathon!

Why did you choose Tenacity? Tenacity is a familiar organization to my family, and being a former student-athlete, I strongly support the mission to help under-privileged children improve character and development through academic and athletic training.

What inspires you on the long runs? After playing sports from pre-K through college, I was looking for another way I could challenge myself athletically outside of work. Completing a marathon was a far reach in my mind, but when the opportunity presented itself to not only run the marathon that takes place in my home town, but to run in support of others, I could not turn it down. Although the long runs can be tough, thinking about accomplishing this challenge for the children of Tenacity reminds me of the bigger cause and helps push me through. See you all in Boston!!

Courtney O'Brien

Age: 23

Where do you live? Boston, MA

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 2 x 3: 2nd Marathon, 2nd Boston, 2nd with Tenacity!

Why did you choose Tenacity? The results – Tenacity’s numbers speak for themselves! They have proven time and time again that they make a significant difference in the trajectory of the lives of the kids they serve.

What inspires you on the long runs? Thinking about all of the kids that Tenacity’s efforts are supporting and all of the people who are supporting me on this journey! As I am training, I remember that I want to be physically prepared on April 17th so that I can go out on the course and enjoy the experience, the energy, and the fans!

How much are you trying to raise for Tenacity? $5K

Doug Reeves

Age: 62

Where do you live? Boston

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? Boston (twice), San Francisco, Marine Corps, Twin Cities.

Why did you choose Tenacity? My professional focus is on urban education. While there are many great organizations that support students in school, it is a very rare organization that continues to stay with students for the long term, and Tenacity does just that.

What inspires you on the long runs? I’m not an athlete - just a charity runner, and what is most appealing me is the history of the Marathon route and the causes that charity runners support. The great thing about running for a cause is that you are no longer trying to beat anyone, but to support everyone, both financially and emotionally. When I’ve tripped and fallen, a dozen runners interrupt their race to pick me up and get me back on the trail. I’ve tried to return their good deeds by helping my teammates raise money and encourage them every step along the way.

Lou Sorgi

My name is Lou Sorgi, though I’ve established a high-ranking rapport among the Leather District pigeon community (they literally clear the way almost every time I walk past), a result of which I’m endearingly referred to as “Don Luigi”.

Age: 32

Where do you live? Mr. Magorium’s Downtown Wonder Emporium (my wife refers to it as our “apartment”).

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 2009 Boston Marathon (“Bandit-style”).

Why did you choose Tenacity? I’ve been involved with the Young Professionals Committee of Tenacity’s Leadership Council for a few years. It’s an organization doing absolutely wonderful things for our city, and I’m honored to be able to raise funds for, and run on behalf of, our students.

What inspires you on the long runs? Long runs provide a lot of time to self-reflect. I like to throw in my earbuds, crank up the ‘80s synth-pop, and wonder when I’ll get my shot to play rock keyboard in Mr. Mister.

Haley Thompson

Age: 24

Where do you live? Boston, MA

Number of marathons, if any, and number of Boston Marathons? 3! This is my second Boston Marathon with Tenacity.

Why did you choose Tenacity? I chose to run the Boston Marathon with Tenacity because I strongly believe in Tenacity's mission. I have always valued organizations that combine the academics with athletics and team oriented activities. I truly believe that the qualities and skills learned from being part of a community and team oriented environment are strongly correlated with success in post secondary environments and everyday life. I value the presence that Tenacity has in the Boston Public Schools community and the network it has created within that community for students.

What inspires you on the long runs? What inspires me to run another marathon is being able to join a team again after college. In this case being part of a team and being part of the Boston Marathon to raise money for an organization where each dollar raised has an impact for each student involved in Tenacity.