Marlborough Florist Running 2022 Boston Marathon For Lisnow

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough business owner Judy Proteau is no stranger to running marathons, but this will be her first ever Boston Marathon.

Proteau has competed in six marathons and nine ultra-marathons — including two 100-mile races — and will take on the sport's most vaunted race when it returns to its traditional Patriots' Day date in April. This year will also mark the 50th anniversary of women being allowed to compete in the race, although Roberta Gibb and Katherine Switzer competed unofficially in the 1960s.

Proteau, owner of the Elegant Flower, will run the marathon this year to raise money for the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, which serves scores of families across the area with support programs for individuals with disabilities.

"Your donation to the Lisnow Center will help pay for programs that children can attend during the day that will provide them with medical treatments, music, crafts and physical activity," Proteau wrote in an appeal. "Young adults attending the program learn daily living and social skills — all important for fostering a sense of independence. Many of these young people are introduced to employment options all centered on increasing self-confidence and responsibility."

Proteau was only accepted in the Boston Marathon as a charity runner last week, but she's already nearly 80 percent toward her goal of $5,000 for the Lisnow center. You can donate to her run here.

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