When the 120th Boston Marathon is run on April 18, three runners will be running for the Wellesley Education Foundation.
Hunnewell School parent Stephen Forasté, high school football and basketball captain Jake Mohan and Charles Butrico, a student at Boston College majoring in math and psychology, are exited and looking forward to running the nation’s oldest marathon and raising funds for the Wellesley Education Foundation to help further promote educational excellence and innovation in the Wellesley Public Schools.
Forasté’s goal for this year is to raise money for WEF while “enjoying the race.” He said he intends to “run this one instead of race it” and hopes to “pace with Jake Mohan and see him finish his first marathon.”
Forasté has run a total of five marathons, including three consecutive ones after his twins were born. His wife Aly won’t be joining him this year, but he said running another Boston Marathon remains on her birthday list.
“The winter was great,” Foraste said. “So much better than last year. I hope that bodes well for this year's race as well.”
Mohan has had a dynamic year athletically as a senior at Wellesley High. As captain of the football team, he quarterbacked the Raiders back into the playoffs and led them to within a play or two of defeating rival Needham in front of the Green Monster at storied Fenway Park. He then was one of the leaders of the basketball team this winter.
“This is my first time running the Boston Marathon, and my main goal is to finish the race,” Mohan said. “I wanted to raise money for WEF because this is my 13th year in the Wellesley school system, and I have had a great experience. I'm very thankful for all of my friends, coaches and teachers in the Wellesley school system that I have met and became very close to over the years.
“The Wellesley school system and my coaches have impressed upon me the importance of challenging myself, and this is a great physical and mental test. As a kid I always watched the Boston Marathon in admiration of my uncle, grandfather and all other runners. I am excited to be playing football at Williams College next fall so I wanted to seize this opportunity before I go. I am very thankful to WEF for giving me this opportunity to give back.”
Butrico has found time between his studies to train for this year’s Boston Marathon. While training can often be an arduous task, the BC student thinks he’s ready to tackle the challenge of the 26.2-mile course.
“This year I have the distinct privilege of running the Boston Marathon, and it would no doubt be possible without the help of my family, friends or the Wellesley Education Foundation,” he said. “Please help me reach my fundraising goal by donating to a truly amazing cause.”
To support Forasté, visit www.crowdrise.com/wellesleyeducationfo1/fundraiser/stephenforaste.
To support Mohan, visit www.crowdrise.com/wellesleyeducationfo2/fundraiser/jakemohan.
To support Butrico, visit www.crowdrise.com/charlie-runs-boston-marathon/fundraiser/charliebutrico.
Rama K. Ramaswamy writes for Hometown Weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].
