Resident to Run Fourth Consecutive Boston Marathon

Name: Jonathan Blank

Age: 48 

Marathon experience: Three consecutive Boston Marathons (2009, 2010, 2011).

Reason for running: "I first ran the Boston Marathon in 2009 to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The goal of the MMRF is to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for multiple myeloma, a form of cancer of the blood," he said. "I ran it in 3:29:07, which was less than a minute under the qualifying time for my age group. From then on, I decided to run Boston for as long as I can qualify for it."

Training tip: "Try and get out there for a run at least three times a week in spite of the weather, keep a training log, and don’t be discouraged by some discomfort or a bad run."