RI State Troopers To Run Virtual Boston Marathon

PROVIDENCE, RI — This year's Boston Marathon looks a lot different. For the first time in over a century, the marathon is virtual, meaning runners are completing the race at home, instead of through the streets of Boston. The Rhode Island State Police team will run their "virtual marathon" Monday.

The team is running to raise $15,000 for Cops For Kids With Cancer, collecting $10,000 for far. Two veteran runners, Sergeant Peter Cambio and Trooper Roupen Bastajian, will run from Rhode Island State Police Headquarters in North Scituate to the Hope Valley Barracks, starting at 7:30 a.m. Spectators can follow along on the state police Facebook and Instagram pages.

"We’re proud to have the opportunity to support Cops for Kids with Cancer again this year," Colonel James Manni said. "When our Troopers run the marathon in Boston each year, we’ve been able to help Rhode Island families who have a child with cancer. This year the route is different, but our commitment and the importance of the cause remain the same."

Read more: After 124 Years, A New Boston Marathon Debuts

Troopers have run in the marathon for the past 18 years, and have supported this charity for eight. Cops For Kids With Cancer provides financial assistance to families with a child who has cancer. This year's run is dedicated to Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant William Coulter, who died last year. Coulter was an avid marathon runner and supporter of the charity.

The team is selling t-shirts and patches to help reach their fundraising goal., and are accepting donations online. To make a purchase, reach out to Trooper Amy Jackman at 401-444-1064 or amy.jackman@risp.gov.