Wilton Native Set to Run as part of the YMCA's Boston Marathon Team

When she moved to Boston, Taylor Toll, 23, created a list of 100 things to do in 1,000 days. One of the goals at the top of her list was to run in her first marathon, a feat that she’ll complete on April 18th as she takes on the Boston Marathon. Toll is running on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Boston, an organization that aligns with what she does as an educator in Boston.

When Toll taught at a Roxbury high school last year she knew of many students that spent their time at the Y, taking advantage of the Y’s free teen programming. They would go for homework help, to play basketball, work out or hang out with friends.

In fact, while Toll was being interviewed by YMCA officials to be chosen to join the Marathon team, there was constant stream of interruptions as her students knocked on the glass door and entered to say hello and give her a hug.

“It was great to see my old students and it really brought my passion for fundraising for the YMCA full circle,” said Toll. Toll has currently reached $6,700 of her $7,500 goal and says she’s received phenomenal support from her friends, family, and co-workers.

All funds raised by Y Marathon team members will support the YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programs. This past summer the YMCA of Greater Boston gave out 15,000 free three-month memberships to teens at the Y’s 13 branches with unlimited access and held more than 900 community events. Programs like Safe Dating, Cyber Bulling, Job Readiness, Volunteerism, Leadership, SAT prep and mentoring programs empower and engage youth in productive ways.

“The funds raised through our Boston Marathon team are crucial in helping to meet the growing demands of our teen population,” says James O’S. Morton, CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “This past summer was our busiest to date with each of our branches creating programming to fit the needs of the youth in their neighborhoods. YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programming is an invaluable resource for the youth of our city, keeping them off the streets, out of trouble, and engaged in productive and educational activities.”

As an educator, Toll works well after the class bell rings. Because of her busy schedule she’s worked with Y Marathon team coach, Tim Botto, to create a training program that fits into her long days. She takes on short, weekday runs before work and laces up for long runs on Saturdays. She loves running outside, and exploring Boston’s side streets and neighborhoods on foot. Toll currently teaches fifth grade at Brooke Charter Elementary School, which has locations in East Boston, Roslindale, and Mattapan.

“The Y provides teens with a safe and positive environment to learn, grow and thrive, it’s an extension of what I try to do every day as an educator,” says Toll. “I am already talking about the Y to my current students, so when they are old enough they know about the free teen programs available to them.”

Runners who have qualified to receive a Boston Marathon bib and would like to experience the comradery of running with a team while supporting charity are welcome to join the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Marathon team. Runners must raise a minimum of $1,500. For more information on how you can join the team or how to support the runners, email ymarathonteam@ymcaboston.org to learn more about YMCA’s marathon runners, click here. 

For more information on Toll, or to donate to her upcoming run in the Boston Marathon, click here.