Boston Marathon 2015 Runner Profile: Dan Donato, of Marblehead

Name: Dan Donato

Age: 34

Profession: English Teacher

Marathon experience: None

Reason for running: I’m running the Boston Marathon this year in honor of my grandfather, PaulcDonato. Paul was a top 10 Boston Marathon finisher in the 1930s and 1940s with his best finishes coming in 1938 and 1940 respectively, when he placed 5th both times. His best time was 2:34:54 (1940). Following the 1941 race, he went to fight in WWII. My grandfather trained with his friend Johnny Kelley for many years. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Kelley before he passed away in 2004. Here’s a link to my grandfather’s obit from the Boston Globe below.

My father, also named Paul Donato, ran the Boston Marathon in the early 2000’s, a couple of years before my grandfather died.

Charity (if applicable): N/A

Training tip: I’m a nerd, so I liked the data offered by the combination of a GPS watch and an app like Strava. New data was an incentive in itself.

Bib number: 13342

If you’re running the 119th Boston Marathon on April 20, Patch wants to recognize you.

We’re putting together brief profiles of local runners, and we want to include you! To be featured on Marblehead Patch, email a photo and information listed above to marblehead@patch.com.