This past Monday, three determined runners took on the challenge of the 129th Boston Marathon, each with a unique personal goal: to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and support the work we do for our youth. The race was about more than just crossing the finish line—it was about pushing boundaries, perseverance, and the power of community.
Here’s a look at their impressive results:
Simon Gitau
Simon set an ambitious goal to complete the marathon in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Although he didn’t quite reach his target, his spirit and dedication were evident in his finish time of 4:18:40, raising $8,085 for the Club. Simon placed 22,777th overall, 13,512th in his gender category, and 1,316th in the M 55-59 category. His drive and commitment to supporting the kids in our community were truly inspiring, and his efforts will continue to impact the lives of so many.
Simon is still $2,000 away from reaching his fundraising goal for the Club! Help him reach it by donating, here.
Hugo Compere
Hugo’s goal was to improve upon his performance from last year, and he certainly did just that! He completed the marathon in 5:25:50, raising $10,000 for the Boys & Girls Club. He placed 27,268th overall, 15,598th in his gender category, and 2,184th in the M 40-44 category. Hugo’s dedication paid off, and his personal best is a testament to the grit and resilience that he brings both to his training and to supporting the children we serve.
Kyle Helfrich
Kyle aimed to finish the marathon in 4 hours, and while he didn’t quite hit that mark, he came incredibly close with a time of 4:37:56. He raised $12,100.22, the highest amount of all our runners. He finished 24,679th overall, 14,426th in his gender category, and 5,199th in the M 18-39 category. Kyle shared, “I had the time of my life and am so glad I could support all the hard work the Club does every day!” His enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to the mission are evident in everything he does.
Each of these runners went above and beyond, not only in their physical endurance but also in their ability to inspire others and raise critical funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. Their efforts have made a lasting impact, helping us continue to provide vital programs and services for the youth of Lawrence.
We are incredibly proud of Simon, Hugo, and Kyle for their hard work and dedication. They embody the spirit of perseverance and community, proving that when we come together for a shared cause, anything is possible. Thank you to each of our runners and to everyone who supported them—your contributions are helping change lives. The marathon may be over, but the impact of your efforts will be felt for years to come.
Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.