Congratulations- we did it!
L to R: Stephanie, Alison, Beth, Sally, Billy & Karen
Check out the team member's inspiration to run, and their finishing times.
STEVE'S TEAM RUNNERS:
Running the 113th Boston Marathon on
Monday, April 20, 2009 for Steve's Team
Top: Beth O'Grady, Alison Phelan, Karen Giroux
Bottom: Sally Holtzman, Stephanie Cooper
WHY WE ARE RUNNING IN OUR OWN WORDS:
Beth O'Grady:
"My brother Stephen O'Grady was killed by a drunken driver
in 1999, one month after his 30th birthday. As Executive Director
of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, I saw the tremendous
impact he had in his community and in the lives of so many. Inspired
by his example, I set a goal to complete 10 marathons by his
10th anniversary in 2009, with a goal to raise $40,000 to honor
what should have been his 40th birthday. I am ending my journey
in Boston where it began, and I feel blessed to have met so many
great friends along the way. The support of Stephen's family,
friends and the community has been overwhelming... THANK YOU!"
Beth Finished in 4 hours, 27 minutes,
13 seconds
Alison Phelan: "Ever since I turned 40 yrs. old, running has become
my passion. It's great because you can do it alone or with groups
of friends. This passion has now led me to my 6th marathon --
my "2nd Boston" Marathon. This marathon is so special
and different from any other marathon, plus it's the hometown
favorite! It will be an honor for me to run in support of the
Stephen O'Grady Foundation and for the Boys & Girls Club
of Greater Salem. Plus I get to enjoy the experience with my
fellow teammates and my 2 wonderful daughters who will be waiting
for us at the finish line!"
Alison Finished in 4 hours, 5 minutes, 4 seconds
Karen Giroux:
"As an assistant high school cross-country and track coach,
I am lucky to be able to share my love of running with the next
generation. I am honored to run the 113th Boston Marathon in
support of the Stephen M. O'Grady Foundation and the Salem Boys
& Girls Club. My oldest son, Aiden, is a past recipient of
a Stephen O'Grady Scholarship, and my family sees this as a way
to ensure future high school seniors receive the same opportunity.
And lastly, well...It's the Boston Marathon! I look forward to
running this race with my good friends while contributing to
two organizations that are so important to our local youth."
Karen Finished in 4 hours, 27 minutes, 12 seconds- a PR!
Sally Holtzman: "I am running Boston because I am determined to be the best role model possible for my 5 year old twin boys, showing them by example that if they work hard enough, they can achieve anything. I am proud to be a member of Steve's team, as this effort embodies all that he stood for by setting a positive example to the next generation. Plus, Boston is the Holy Grail of marathons!"
Sally Finished in 4 hours, 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Stephanie Cooper: "When I moved back to Massachusetts from Seattle 5 years ago to be near my family, I was blown away by the wonderful running community that welcomed me back! The Wicked Running Club and all my friends who share our sport make my life great and I am honored to join them on Steve's Team! As a kid watching the Boston Marathon from the sidelines in Framingham I never imagined I would run the route someday and I can't wait for Patriot's Day!"
Steve's Team at one of our Nahant training runs. Hilly & COLD!
Steve's Team at our Summer in the Winter Fundraiser
Ready to Roll marathon morning!
L to R Sally, Alison, Karen, Beth and training partner Billy Shea.
