Barnstable Runners Taking on the Boston Marathon: Jessica Popik

On April 16, 2012, tens of thousands of runners will line up to run the 116^th Boston Marathon. Of those thousands, there will be people running from all over the world. Some will run for charity, some for the memory of others, some to beat their own record, some just because they want to see if they can.

Among those runners will most surely be Barnstable residents. We will be profiling Barnstable residents leading up to the race - letting you know who is running, why they’re running and how you can keep track and cheer them on.

Our first profile is of Jessica Popik of Hyannis.

Runner name:  Jessica Popik

Age:  25

Profession: Musician (clarinet)

Marathon experience: This is my first marathon. I ran the Cape Relay and the Johnny Kelley Hyannis Half Marathon last May.

Reason for running: Completing a marathon has been a goal of mine since I stood on Commonwealth Ave at the 100th Boston Marathon watching my dad run. 

Training tip: Run in the moment. Completing any distance can seem like a daunting task, but all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other.  

Qualified runner or charity bib: I'm running as part of Team Go Far to support Bottom Line-a non-profit organization that provides resources, like mentoring and tutoring, to low-income and first-generation high school students so they can apply to, and be successful in college. If you would like to support my first marathon run and the students of Bottom Line, you can donate online at: www.crowdrise.com/TeamGoFar/fundraiser/jessicapopik

Go Jessica Go!!

If you know of other Barnstable residents running in the Boston Marathon this year, please email me at Jennifer.Simckowitz@patch.com