News and Announcements
09.20.10
President's Message: Call for Runners
Dear Members of the Tufts Community:On Monday, April 18, 2011, the members of the Tufts Marathon team will once again gather in Hopkinton to participate in a great Boston tradition and raise funds for several signature programs at Tufts. I invite you to join them next Patriots' Day for the annual President's Marathon Challenge. Although I will not be running the Marathon itself this year, I will once again train with the team regularly, and look forward to running with and getting to know my fellow runners.
During the eight years that Tufts has participated in the Boston Marathon, over one thousand individuals have completed the run for Tufts. In addition, team members have raised more than $2.5 million to support research on nutrition, obesity, hunger and famine, and to sustain programs that promote health and wellness across the university and within our host communities of Medford, Somerville and Boston's Chinatown. This year we again plan to field a team of 200 runners. Please keep in mind that each year we have more individuals interested in running the marathon than we have numbers to distribute. As in the past, we will try to be fair with our students, giving particular preference to those nearing the end of their time here.
Marathon numbers will be provided to alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends who commit to raising a minimum of $2,500 to support the President's Marathon Challenge. Students are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000. Members of the team will be supported by dedicated Tufts faculty experts and members of our Athletics Department. Don Megerle, Tufts' men's swimming coach of 34 years; Professor Miriam Nelson from the Friedman School; and Eric Johnson from University Advancement will once again strengthen our team's training, coaching and fundraising efforts.
Preparing for a marathon is hard work, but the lifelong friendships and sense of accomplishment outweigh the short-term struggle. Of course, being part of the Tufts team is unlike any other experience. The support you will receive from Coach, Mim, and Eric will buoy your efforts and carry you to the finish line. I encourage you to join the President's Marathon Challenge and share in this wonderful experience.
Please visit our website to learn more about the President's Marathon Challenge. There you can read inspiring messages from Coach Megerle, view photos from past marathons and training runs, and sign up to participate in this unique Tufts experience. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Coach Megerle at marathonchallenge@tufts.edu.
Best regards,
Larry Bacow
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Lawrence S. Bacow
President
Tufts University
"Throughout the training and the marathon, I learned dedication, perseverance, discipline, strength, and glory. I have come to learn that anything is possible."
- Gopi Desai, A08
Catch up with Coach
Don Megerle. Have a
question? Email him at marathonchallenge@tufts.edu
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