Mark Ambrefe

Everyone loves a good sequel!

As if running the Boston Marathon once wasn't absolutely unreal and life-changing enough, I figured "oh yeah, that insane thing that I did? How about I do it again?" Aaaaand with my deep love for running...and...a little bit of peer pressure...that's what I did :)

Lots has happened in the past several months since I ran Boston, I...

• Flopped on an intended 5k PR (Road of Rainbows is a literal uphill battle)
• Tried for that PR again at a different race, and got it! :D
• Got another 5k PR a few months after.....probably overdid it on that one - I think I'll call 24:30 my personal best on a 5k for a very long time.
• Suffered through the absolute world-ending humidity training for a half...but I still unexpectedly got that PR!

And on top of all of that, I've been expanding myself further into the larger running community in the North Shore, which has been, nothing short of awesome.

But through all of these insane victories and growth, the core of who I am is the same. I'm someone who took a huge gamble on giving running a shot three years ago. What was supposed to be just a way to drink a few beers with some new friends has turned into a beautiful, freeing sport that I've poured all my love into. When I got that love directly back in the form of this absolutely insane race, I knew I made the right choice with giving running a shot.

I want to keep giving and recieving all of the love that I can through running. Running Boston lets me do just that. Let's get this done!

Self-advocacy is the name of the game.

While my overall "why" hasn't changed since last year, my belief in the Flutie Foundation is much stronger this year...which, I didn't think was possible. As a self-advocate, not only did was the Flutie Foundation behind me 1000% in 2024, but they were so supportive of my hyper-obsession with running that they asked me to join again for 2025 as a formal member of the Adaptive Program. While I told folks "I'd think about it" when I crossed the finish line this past April, I think we all knew what the answer was deep down.

My goal is to have EVERYONE on the spectrum get the same level of love and support that I do. Donations to the Flutie Foundation make this possible.

Remember, when you're donating, you're donating to a cause that I have a deep and strong connection to. You're donating to make a BIG difference to a community that I'm a direct part of.

Let's make that difference together!