Boston Marathon Profile: Pete Butera Runs In Memory Of Chris DiBello

NORTHBOROUGH, MA — Northborough has nine residents running in this year's Boston Marathon.

Northborough Patch highlights some of those runners in the next few weeks.

Today, we meet Pete Butera. Good luck, Pete!

Age: 33

Reason for running: I am running the 2017 Boston Marathon for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation in honor of my uncle Chris DiBello (Algonquin High School football legend). Chris was an amazing husband, father, and role model to everyone who knew him. Chris was a 20 year Patriots season ticket holder and we shared a passion for football, but also a love for running as he had run the Boston Marathon and other endurance races in the past. He always ribbed me about running the Boston Marathon since I ran in college. This marathon is a run in honor of Chris's legacy and the good that he brought to everyone.

Donations for my fundraising go directly to grants given to 26 truly deserving volunteer organizations and individuals throughout New England who may not otherwise receive any recognition for their great work via the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards. The money I am raising does not go to large organizations with substantial fundraising operations, but rather to smaller, often less visible, charities. Contributions have an observable, direct impact on the community and honor individuals who serve others for genuinely altruistic reasons.

Marathon experience: This will be my first marathon! I was a collegiate mid-distance runner at Babson College, but never planned on running a marathon.

Training tip: Always ice up. After every run I make sure to ice whatever may be even slightly aching. From your knees to a sore IT band, get some ice on there to reduce inflammation and boost recovery. I've found this to be one of the best ways to prevent injuries as the number one goal of any marathon runner should be to get to the start line healthy and let the race take care of itself.

Photo Courtesy Peter Butera

Are you running the Boston Marathon? We'd love to feature you, too. Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.