Brookline Resident Takes on Boston Marathon

BROOKLINE, Mass.| When Lauren Flateland ran track in High School nearly 13 years ago, it was just to keep in shape for her other athletic interests - tennis and dance. At the time the longest distance that she had run in her life was a mile and a half.

It wasn’t until moving to Boston to complete her graduate degree at Boston University that she caught the running bug. At the time her apartment overlooked the Charles River where there was a constant stream of joggers breezing by to inspire her daily run. Not to mention that it was the first time that she had seen one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events live and in-person.

It was enough to motivate the now 30 year-old to enter the lottery for a bib through the John Hancock Boston Marathon Nonprofit Charity Program. “I remember watching the different types of people crossing mile 25 and thinking – she looks like me and she runs like me, I could really do this,” says Flateland. “The Boston Marathon is such a huge part of this city’s culture and I always felt like I should be running and not spectating.”

Third time is a charm for Flateland who after applying for three consecutive years was finally awarded a spot to compete in the 119th Annual Boston Marathon this April 18. She’ll run alongside 20 team members raising money as a part The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation (NEPCF), a nonprofit organization established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England.

The umbrella organization distributes grants and supports organizations including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, New England Kids Triathlon, Play 60, Read Between the Lines and many more. The Foundation takes a special interest in youth programs that encourage education, creativity and character development while fostering cultural diversity and health.

“The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation works to benefit a number of small grass roots charities that otherwise might not have the money or exposure to host their own team.” says Flateland. “I know that the money is going where it is truly needed, and it’s given me a whole new meaning and inspiration to my training – knowing that this work is benefitting others.” To date she’s raised $3,100 of her $5,000 goal.

The mild winter has been a blessing for all who are training for the Boston Marathon this year, but during the colder days she’s been thankful for hand warmers and warm socks she says. Flateland completes two short distance workouts during the week and takes part in long team runs on the weekends.

“You can run through anything if you have the right attitude, ” says Flateland. “The running community has also been so welcoming and supportive, always giving helpful tips and guidance. We are all athletes at the startling line after all, it doesn’t matter how fast your pace is.”

For more information or to support Lauren Flateland’s upcoming run in the Boston Marathon, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/lauren-flateland/bostonmarathon20161. All donations are tax deductible.

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