Two West Hartford Runners Competing In Marathon For Cancer Research

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

WEST HARTFORD, CT/BOSTON, Mass. – Two runners from West Hartford plan to complete one of the world's most famous road races later this month ... doing so to help raise money for cancer research as well.

On April 21, two West Hartford residents are running to defy cancer as a members of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in the 129th Boston Marathon.

They are· Thomas Golembeski and Kelly Horan.

Along with more than 500 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge teammates from across the United States and around the world, they will run Massachusetts’ historic marathon route from Hopkinton to Boston to collectively raise $8.5 million for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This year marks the 36th annual running of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC).

All money raised by the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team benefits Dana-Farber’s Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research, which supports promising science research in its earliest stages.

The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has raised more than $132 million for the Barr Program to date.
In 1990, Dana-Farber was among the first charity organizations to be recognized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), which organizes the Boston Marathon.

The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team offers its members extensive fundraising support, training guidance from 1976 Boston Marathon Men’s Open Division Champion Jack Fultz, and team training runs.

Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners who are not time-qualified for the Boston Marathon receive an invitational entry into the race.

Runners include cancer survivors and patients, and family and friends of those who have been affected by cancer.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world's leading centers of cancer research and treatment. Dana-Farber's mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy.

To contribute to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, visit RunDFMC.org or contact the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge office at (617) 632-1970 or dfmc@dfci.harvard.edu. Follow DFMC on Facebook: www.facebook/marathonchallenge. On Twitter: #RunDFMC.