Shrewsbury Father of Three to Run Boston Marathon

Name: Richard Burke

Age: 48

Lives in: Shrewsbury

Works For: United States Postal Service, Worcester, as a manager

Why are you running the Boston Marathon?: I will be running the Boston Marathon this year as a member of the 15-40 Connection Marathon Team, the mission of the 15-40 Connection is to create awareness that improvements in teen and young adult cancer survival rates have remained near 0 percent since 1975 and to promote health awareness, self-advocacy and action to provide this age group with the life-saving advantage of early detection. I will be running in memory of Jodi's father Alan who lost his battle to cancer when he was just 39 years old.

How are you preparing for the marathon?: I run several times a week, I also participate in local 5k races and most recently ran the Hyannis Full Marathon in February to build endurance and strength.

Goal running time: 3:45

What is going to keep you going during the 26.2-mile race?: Thinking of family and friends waiting at the finish and thinking about the money I raised and how it could possibly impact someone’s life for the better.

How will you celebrate finishing the marathon?: Big hugs from my three boys, Zach, Tyler, and Ryan.

Will you run future marathons?: Yes, I usually run the Lowell Bay state each fall, and I plan running the Hyannis each year is well.

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