Lexington Local to run Boston Marathon on YMCA Boston Team

In 1994, Lexington’s Telis Bertsekas, 50, ran the Boston Marathon for the first time as a so-called “bandit,” running at the back of the pack without a number. In 2017, he ran for the second time as a registered runner, and in 2018 he was honored to run as a member of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s team. Bertsekas reports that his experience running with the Y team last year was so amazing that he will wear the Y’s race bib again this year.

“Last year, I got to meet so many passionate people all the way from James Morton to the kids in the community,” Bertsekas says. “Being able to raise money on their behalf was so fulfilling. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be on the YMCA team again.”

Bertsekas is especially enthusiastic about raising money for the Summer Teen program. It provides opportunities to local kids that otherwise might not have access to community activities. He hopes that the money he raises goes a long way toward supporting that program.

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 more than 17,000 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, and SAT prep empower and engage youth in productive ways.

“When you run for the Y’s Boston Marathon team, you are raising money to help us give a teen in Greater Boston access to summer programming, swim classes, and camp,” says James Morton, YMCA of Greater Boston President and CEO. “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, which would not be possible without funds raised by our runners. We wish them the best this April.”

Runners who have qualified to receive a Boston Marathon bib and would like to experience the camaraderie of running with a team while supporting charity are welcome to join the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Marathon team by raising a minimum of $1,500. To donate to Telis Bertsekas and the rest of the YMCA team, please visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/ymca-boston-2019.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON:

The YMCA of Greater Boston is the state’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities. Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women and children to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. As the nation’s fifth largest charity, the Y is creating meaningful memberships. Going beyond gym and swim, the Y provides members with access to quality health and fitness experts and equipment while giving back and providing support to thousands every day. For more than 165 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations and policymakers. The Boston YMCA is the first Y in the United States.