The Tufts Marathon Team (TMT), in collaboration with John Hancock, offers the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon while raising critical funds to benefit childhood obesity, cancer, hunger/famine, and healthy aging to name a few.
Since first taking part in the Marathon in 2003, TMT has raised more than $6 million to support these crucial issues in food and nutrition. Here are a few of our Friedman-affiliated runners, in their own words.
Lauren Sallade
MS Biochemical & Molecular Nutrition, 2021
In 2019, I joined the Tufts Marathon Team (TMT) to join a community.
Through many chapters of my life, the running community has been home to me - the chance to connect with my surroundings and neighbors alike. I couldn't imagine a better way to motivate for 26.2 than among TMT company and with the loyal support of Coach Don Megerle.
In 2020, I completed the "virtual" Boston Marathon, and since then, I have challenged myself to several new endurance feats, including qualifying for 2022 USA Triathlon National Championships. I eagerly anticipate the adrenaline of race day. With hundreds of miles in preparation, thousands of conversations exchanged, and 50 TMT friends by my side, this is truly the experience of a lifetime! Check out my fundraising page here - and consider helping me reach my goal!
Robin Shrestha
Friedman School Alumni, 2015
This year, I am thrilled and honored to represent the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at the 126th Boston Marathon with the Tufts Marathon Team.
I developed a passion for running after being diagnosed with a debilitating neck pain (cervical spondylosis) back in 2018. I found that running helped relieve my pain, which in turn uplifted my spirit and helped the healing process. As a new challenge, it was not easy to start running, nor was it easy to keep going. But my aspiration to run the Boston Marathon has kept me going.
This is the race I've been chasing for years now, and it gives even more meaning in that I’m raising funds for the Friedman School. I want to keep on contributing to the school’s global impact and its leadership on nutrition, hunger and food security challenges facing our world today. In fact, it was with the school’s support that made it possible for me, and my team, to put our idea of SmartBakery into action and create a social and environmental impact in rural communities of Nepal.
To donate, please see my fundraising page. Thank you for supporting me as a marathon runner and our global cause.