Team to Watch

President’s Day. Tax Day. Marathon Monday. Regardless of what you call April 15, not all Boston College students will be cheering on the runners of the 117th Boston Marathon at Heartbreak Hill—some will be the ones running.

This year marks the 17th year students will run the Boston Marathon in support of the Campus School. What once started as a small group of students has grown to one of the largest organizations at BC. To date, over 300 runners are registered and the number is expected to increase to 350 to 400 runners in the coming month as the race approaches.

Can’t imagine actually running a marathon on Marathon Monday? Campus School Marathon team member Emily Gumbrecht, A&S ’15, counters, “Often people don’t realize how accessible it is to train for an endurance event such as a marathon. You don’t have to be a star athlete—training for the marathon is something everyone can do, regardless of his or her current endurance fitness level. We have a beginner training plan which builds up your base training slowly until you are ready for the marathon.”

Training for the Boston Marathon takes both commitment and dedication. The Campus School Marathon team gathers on the weekend for long runs as a group, building both team rapport and individual endurance. Team member Kevin Berry, A&S ’13, said, “Training in Boston winters can be tough but it will test you each day.” He did highlight, however, a positive side of training, “My favorite experience in training for the marathon is being able to run around Boston and getting to see the city. Growing up right outside of Boston, I love being able to run to Fenway, to the State House, or along the Charles.”

The Campus School serves students ages 3-21 with multiple disabilities. Located on BC’s campus in Campion Hall, the Campus School has long acted as a place for students to volunteer in a variety of capacities, whether in a classroom or as a runner in the Boston Marathon.

The grueling training the Campus School Marathon Team endures provides both personal and community rewards. Gumbrecht said, “It is such an incredible feeling of accomplishment to train for and complete such an event. It’s well worth the dedication it takes to get there.”

Berry echoed her sentiment, “I run the marathon because there is no greater feeling than coming up over Heartbreak Hill and seeing BC and all of my friends. Some of the Campus School students watch the race at the main gate so the runners get to see the students during the marathon. The feeling of accomplishment and knowing that we’re helping make a small difference in the lives of the students and their families keeps me coming back each year … That kind of inspiration motivates me to stay dedicated as a runner and a volunteer.”

Last year, the Campus School Marathon Team raised awareness and over $60,000 for the Campus School. The team is hoping to surpass that number this year. Those interested in supporting the team’s efforts may do so at http://commerce.cashnet.com/bcSPO.