team dreamfar Boston Marathon information
Our application for the 2024 Boston Marathon® is now closed.
We are excited to share that we have two athletes representing
Dreamfar on April 15th at the 128th Boston Marathon®
and three students running for youth focused nonprofit organizations in the community!
Koen Pauwels
Hi, I'm Koen and a proud mentor of Dreamfar High School Marathon. As a teacher and a new Marathon runner, I joined to share the wonderful benefits of community training with high school students.
Launched in 2008, Dreamfar is a mentor-supported distance running program serving greater Boston teens of diverse backgrounds and abilities, with the mission to help teens develop physical and mental wellness, community, and purpose to pursue their goals and dreams.
It costs Dreamfar about $875 per teen to provide our annual program. This includes RRCA-certified coaching and insurance. Independent research has demonstrated Dreamfar’s positive impact on youth wellness: Sense of Belonging, Family and Mentor Relationships, and Goal Setting. Parents report a rise in teen confidence and determination, while a teen commented it "became my way of taking control of my life.” This year, Dreamfar has enrolled 55 teens from four greater Boston communities: Newton, Brookline, Needham, and Wellesley. Many who join have not previously been part of school sports/activities, while others are social, athletic, and engaged in school. The result is a unique, inclusive community where all youth are welcome.
This year, I am running the Boston Marathon for the first time to raise money for Dreamfar. Your donation is especially welcome - and will be matched! It is also tax deductible. Thanks so much for your support!
Koen and the gang at our partner site WPS during after a community based practice.
Anna McKeown
Join me in raising funds for Dreamfar a mentor-supported distance running organization serving greater Boston teens of diverse backgrounds and abilities with the mission to help teens build mental and physical fitness, develop community, and gain the confidence to pursue their goals and dreams.
Donations help to offset the costs of race entry fees, team jerseys, nutrition during Saturday practices, and develop our program so that we can continue to serve and ensure that we are able to deliver on our mission for the next generation.
With your support we can continue to make a difference in the lives of teens one step at a time.
Home stretch in the 2023 Boston Marathon a colleague caught me jumping for joy!
Dreamfar is proud to have three high school seniors participating in the 2024 Boston Marathon on behalf of youth focused nonprofit organizations that directly support young people in the metro-Boston area.
Learn more about who our legacy athlete participants are and the nonprofits they are supporting below.
Kate Keane
My name is Kate Keane and I am currently a senior at Needham High School. The day before winter break started, I got the notification that I would be running the 2024 Boston Marathon for the Joseph Tierney Learning Center. Although I am excited to run the famous marathon course, I am even more excited (and honored) that I get to support the members of the Tierney Center. I am amazed by the work and resources that the Tierney Center offers - specifically, their unwavering support to people from babies to senior citizens. I am so humbled that on April 15th, I get to partake in something I truly enjoy in order to benefit this amazing organization, and the amazing people in it.
It would mean the world if you considered donating to to ensure that the Tierney Center can continue to help community members! Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
Lara Karsligil
I am raising money for Cradles to Crayons for both the Boston Marathon and as my final project for the Cradles to Crayons' Teen Leadership Corps. I have been a part of the Teen Leadership Corps for three years-- since I was a sophomore. As someone who has been involved with Cradles for some time now, I've seen the true good that it does for kids and families locally and nationally. In past years, I've run small drives at my high school, but I'm graduating this year and want to go out with a bang while doing something more ambitious for my final Teen Leadership Corps session.
It just so happens that I run marathons. This coming April, I will be running the Boston Marathon; what better way to merge my final project and my running than fundraising for Cradles as part of getting ready to run Boston? Your donations will make an immeasurable impact in the lives of children that Cradles serves. Every $33 enables Cradles to provide another child with the clothes and materials they need to feel comfortable in school and play. The more children we can help, the better.
Thank you so much for all of your support, and I hope to see you out on the course!
Michael Chang
Hi! I'm Michael Chang, a senior at Newton South High School, and a longtime fan of distance running!
I am excited to have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon on behalf of Newton Schools Foundation! This past fall, NSF was able to write a check for $260,000 to NPS, and I hope to help them with a bigger gift this school year!
NSF is a local nonprofit whose mission is to advance excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools. Their grants fund new approaches in the classroom, professional development for teachers, and programs that promote equity for all students, such as the Calculus Project, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. NSF also builds community through its annual “Newton Inspires” event and Honor Thy Teacher Campaign.
Thank you in advance for supporting me and NSF on April 15!
