Telis Bertsekas Teaches His Children to Give Back

In 1994, Lexington’s Telis Bertsekas, 49, 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 now, in 2018, Bertsekas is running for the third time - this time wearing a YMCA of Greater Boston bib.

“The Boston Marathon is such an iconic event that everyone identifies with,” Bertsekas said. “The training, fundraising and preparation process is good for my children to see. I want them to learn that anything is possible if you work hard and set your mind to it. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be on the YMCA team and to complete my third Boston Marathon.”

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 the Y’s Boston Marathon Team are crucial in helping to meet the growing demands of our teen population,” Says James O’S. Morton, President and CEO 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 in providing safe spaces, structured activities and caring adults who inspire and mentor our teens.”

The YMCA of Greater Boston is pleased to be a beneficiary of the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. John Hancock donates hundreds of guaranteed entries into the Boston Marathon each year to select non-profit organizations through their Marathon Non-Profit Program. Organizations use these entries to recruit individual runners who pledge to raise money for their cause.

For Bertsekas, running allows him to burn off the stress of daily life, giving him time away from screens and other distractions. He has been active since his last marathon, but ramping up his mileage to prepare for race day has been challenging. Currently, Bertsekas is running up to four times a week with a long run on the weekend and supplemental stationary biking on off days.

“In the past, people have been so supportive both emotionally and financially,” said Bertsekas. “I feel honored to be raising money for the amazing programs the Y provides. As my kids have transitioned into their teenage years, I can identify even more with the opportunities the Y provides in Greater Boston.”

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. For more information about YMCA’s marathon runners or to donate to Telis Bertsekas, visit http://ymcaboston.org/Marathon.