Newton Teacher To Run 2020 Boston Marathon For Schools Foundation

NEWTON, MA — Newton South High School English teacher Jasmine Lellock began running in 2003, when her students encouraged her to run some laps with their indoor track team. Most people might work up slowly to their first race, but Lellock put on those running shoes and didn't look back: That spring, she ran her first 26-miler, the Cape Cod Marathon. And if that wasn't amazing enough, in the past 17 years she’s run 12 marathons.

This April, Lellock will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation. Her goal is to raise $5,000 to support important programs that enhance students’ educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

"Students inspired me to start running, and they’ve been part of my journey ever since," said Lellock.

She started to coach the Randolph High School track team and then ran the Providence Marathon twice alongside members of the Newton South Dreamfar Team.

But, as with many a marathon runner, she had one athletic goal in mind: She wanted to qualify for the Boston marathon, which meant running 26.2 miles in about three hours and 35 minutes.

Then she did it, by 8 seconds. Though she didn't secure a bib, Lellock wanted to run Boston to support Newton Schools Foundation.

"Students in my class have participated in the Courageous Conversations About Race program, which [the foundation] funds," she said.

She's also attended professional development workshops through the Teachers as Scholars Program, funded by a grant from the foundation and been part of the foundation's annual Honor Thy Teacher recognition program.

Newton Schools Foundation works to expand opportunities for all students in the Newton Public Schools by funding programs to bring new initiatives, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity.

The nonprofit's programs span all grades, preschool-high school, and include the areas of STEAM, sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, and social, emotional development.

"Her commitment to helping students achieve success in the classroom and on the track makes Jasmine an ideal ambassador for NSF in this year’s Boston Marathon," said Marcia Tabenken, foundation co-president.

To donate to Lellock's run, click: check out her GoFundMe

Lellock will also host a trivia night fundraiser on from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Baramor in Newton Centre from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. To purchase tickets at $40 per person, Venmo @Jasmine-Lellock.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).