Readers Say

Chris Falato is running in support of the West End House

"It's been very special."

"Here's a picture of me coaching kids on the 'triple threat' position," Chris Falato wrote.

By Heather Alterisio

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Chris Falato
Age: 41
From: Winchester

I’d always run but not seriously — certainly not more than six or seven miles at a time. But when asked out of the blue, 12 weeks from the start in Hopkinton to run Boston? One of the premier races in the world? [It] took me all of two seconds to say yes!

My initial excitement … for running quickly gave way to a much deeper purpose for my efforts, however.

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I’m running and fundraising for the West End House in Boston, a boys and girls club which does truly incredible things for their youth members and the Boston community.

The West End House is nationally recognized for their members’ high school graduation rates, the academic and performing arts programs they’ve established, and the whopping 100,000-plus made-from-scratch meals they make and serve every year.

Though my career took a different path, I was a teacher once upon a time. So to find myself helping an organization through fundraising efforts and tapping into my joy for helping kids … it’s been very special.

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I plan to continue to support the West End House by continuing to fundraise for them as well as conduct basketball on their SWEET hardwood, which just happened to have been donated by a pro sports team here in town.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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