There are nearly 150 official entrants from The Salem News coverage area running the 116th Boston Marathon this Monday. Here are a few of their stories:
Betsy Albee
Age: 47
Residence: Marblehead
How many times have you run Boston?: Two
How many marathons have you previously run?: Three
Why are you running this year?: "I'm running to support Team Hoyt. Every time I run I say, 'This is wonderful, I'll never have to run 26.2 miles again.' I've said that three other times now. Honestly, I run because I can to call attention to people with disabilities or limitations that would love to have my physical capabilities. I'm just loaning my body to call attention to those in the community that don't have the ability that I do."
A perfect race day for me would be: "Just injury free with the energy of the crowd staying up, which really I rely on greatly to get through it because I'm not really a runner."
Jai Chanda
Age: 41
Residence: Beverly
How many times have you run Boston?: First
How many marathons have you previously run?: "This is my first marathon ever."
Why are you running this year?: To raise money for cancer research as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team.
A perfect race day for me would be: "My ideal running day would be a cool but sunny 45-degree day. Getting out early would be favorable."
Melissa Jaynes
Age: 31
Residence: Salem
How many times have you run Boston?: This will be her first time.
How many marathons have you previously run?: Six
Why are you running this year?: A former asthma sufferer, Jaynes competed in her first race five years ago and has had the running bug ever since. "It's nice now to confidently push my body and take huge breaths, not because my lungs are fighting for air but because they are providing my muscles with oxygen."
A perfect race day would be: A Wicked Running Club member, Jaynes is looking to smash her previous best time for a marathon, which is 3 hours and 48 minutes.
Drew Betts
Age: 24
Residence: Salem (also an Endicott College graduate)
How many times have you run Boston?: This will be my first time
How many marathons have you previously run?: None
Why are you running this year?: To raise money for the Andruzzi Foundation, established by former New England Patriot and cancer survivor Joe Andruzzi. It helps families battling cancer with pressing bills and to raise money for cancer research. Betts set a goal of $5,000 and is on pace to exceed that amount. "A friend of mine from college is close to the Andruzzis and told me about the Foundation. It's a challenge to try something different and help such a good cause."
A perfect race day for me would be:"Getting from the start to the end. I've always loved the thrill of competing and am fortunate to have the ability to run for those who can't. The Andruzzis are hosting a pasta dinner for us (tomorrow) night and will be at the Marathon supporting everybody."
Melanie McKinnon
Age: 36
Residence: Salem
How many times have you run Boston?: This will be the first
How many marathons have you previously run?: None, but running Boston has always been a goal of mine.
Why are you running this year?: It's an honor to be running on Team Marathon Strides against MS. I'm running to help raise awareness and put an end to Multiple Sclerosis in honor of my sister Katie Nieves and everyone else who is currently battling this disabling disease. I also run because I can... and MS takes that ability away from a lot of people. I started my own charity called It Starts with ME! (iswmcharity.com) and have been involved in many charitable events, but nothing has compared to the personal sacrifice and training that is involved in preparing for the Boston Marathon. All my sweat, blood and tears are for my sister Katie and each person who also suffers from MS.
A perfect race day for me would be: Cool weather, my body feeling 100 percent and making it across that finish line. I want to make all my friends, family and thousands of others who suffer from MS proud.
Melissa Perroni
Age: 28
Residence: Salem
How many times have you run Boston?: This will be the first.
How many marathons have you previously run?: One (October's Marine Corps Marathon).
Why are you running this year?: I'm running on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters. The healthy, fulfilling friendships that I've been fortunate enough to experience have given me the confidence and courage to take on the challenge of running a marathon. I hope that the funds I'm raising on behalf of BBBSMB will allow deserving children throughout Greater Boston the opportunity to grow and develop from similar relationships.
A perfect race day for me would be: Overcast, low 60s, knees feeling strong, and seeing my friends and family along the course.
