The Boston Bulldogs 2027 Boston Marathon Team
scroll down for information about each runner
Nicole Carlson
In 2024, I ran my first Boston Marathon for the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. I had no idea at the time what a lasting impact this club would have on the rest of my life. What began as a leap of faith into a new community became one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life.
I’m incredibly honored to be running the 131st Boston Marathon for the Boston Bulldogs Running Club alongside my friends once again. Being able to return to the starting line for an organization that means so much to me makes this journey even more special.
Laura Drew
As many of you know, I struggled with addiction for many years. Seven years ago, I was given a second chance. I never could have imagined the life I would be living today, let alone having the opportunity to run one of the most iconic marathons in the world TWICE.
Recovery has taught me so much about strength, resilience, the power of never giving up and what can happen when you make the decision to just show up. The gifts of recovery are unmatched. My family being my biggest fans and supporters is one of those gifts, and a privilege I do not take for granted. My health, wellness and ability to run is another huge gift, and privilege. Running has become a huge part of my life and my daily wellness to stay on the path of recovery.
Derrick Eichele
Hi, I’m Derrick, and I’m lacing up my running shoes to support the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. This incredible charity uses the power of running to build a supportive community for individuals and families affected by addiction. Every mile I run helps them provide crucial fitness and recovery programs. Your donation will directly fund resources and support networks for those on their recovery journey. Please join me in making a lasting impact. Together, we can help people find strength, hope, and community through running. Thank you for your incredible support!
Nicole George
Last year, I lost a family member who struggled with alcohol. His passing has stayed with me, particularly as I’ve seen its impact on one of the people who means the most to me. That loss also brought me to my first Bulldogs weekly run.
More recently, I learned of the passing of someone who was once one of my best friends who struggled with his own addictions. His passing brought me back in touch with his family and other familiar faces I hadn’t seen in years.
I’ve also been fortunate to see friends find recovery and go on to build happy, healthy lives. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand the heartbreak of losing someone, the complicated emotions that come with wanting to help someone who is struggling, and the hope and joy that come with seeing someone find their way forward.
On April 19th, I’m running in honor of those we carry with us, in support of those still finding their way, and for the families and friends navigating these challenges alongside them. I’m proud to be fundraising to support an organization that leads with compassion, fosters connection, and reminds people that they don’t have to face these struggles alone.
Michael Goff
I am stepping up to the starting line of the Boston Marathon for the third time to raise funds for a community that means the world to me: the Boston Bulldogs Running Club.
The Bulldogs provide a safe, supportive space for people in recovery and anyone impacted by addiction—which touches nearly all of us in some way. Bulldogs do hard things, and we do them together.
Why I Run:
This cause is deeply personal to me. In 2011, my brother Douglas died by suicide after years of struggling with addiction and mental illness. When I started running and joined the Bulldogs at their founding in 2015, I found a community that helped me face some of the hardest things in my life.
Chelsea Hathaway-Doty
In 2021, my dad, Craig, passed away from cirrhosis due to his alcohol addiction. Anyone who knew my dad, knows he would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it. He was so supportive and was always at high school choral concerts and basketball games. He would always be bragging about my sister and me to anyone who would listen.
But unfortunately, addiction was a disease that was too powerful for him. Craig loved my sister and me; we were his whole world. So, in memory of my dad, my uncle, and all those who suffer from addiction, I am lacing up my shoes this April for an organization whose mission resonates with me so deeply, the Boston Bulldogs Running Club.
Melissa Kenney
Since starting my career as a veterinarian in 2018, I’ve experienced the mental health challenges that affect so many in our field. After years of working toward this dream job, I found myself navigating the realities of the profession and searching for healthy ways to cope. Running became that outlet, but joining a run club felt intimidating—running had always been a solo sport to me.
I found the Bulldogs on the Boston Marathon charity list in 2023 and connected with their cause as I have several family and friends in various stages of addiction and recovery. That initially drew me in, but the community kept me coming back. The friendships, judgment-free support, and reminder that a run with friends can cure just about anything—that’s Bulldog Magic. I am honored to lace up again for the club that has given me so much.
James McCabe
In 2025 I ran my first marathon with The Boston Bulldogs Running Club. As a fundraising runner I was inspired by my friends in this community of recovery and wellness. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
I learned a lot about strength and determination, about running and life, about community and love. I also learned about wellness and stigma, about purpose and challenge, and about inspiring perseverance.
In 2027 I’m running with my friends again. The Boston Bulldogs Running Club is a co-ed 501(c)3 non-profit club established as a community of support for all those adversely affected by addiction – those in recovery, their families and friends, the clinical community and the community at large.
Meaghan Langlois
For me personally, the Boston Bulldogs Running Club is a lifeline.
I was not a runner when I learned of the Club, nor did I have any reason to believe that running would actually help me. But I was at the end of my rope and failed attempts at sobriety filled many years of my past. So, I showed up.
Nothing about taking that first step was easy, but undenounced to me, doing hard things would later change the way I thought about myself. It was through my amateur miles that I started to think about myself differently, it opened a door for me to start finding my true potential. This became the cornerstone to my recovery.
None of this would have happened running on my own, but joining the Bulldog’s community is where I learned how to “lean in” and keep showing up. They taught me about the Club’s three principles of Self Leadership, Transparency, and Giving Back. Eleven years later, these same principles are still the foundation of my life. My very first experience with the Club is what made “joining a running club” worth walking through my fear. I had just found something much bigger than a running club.
MARATHON TEAM CAPTAIN
Alexandra Ocasio
When I joined the Bulldogs, I kept showing up week after week. What began as a way to heal became a passion for running and a source of purpose and support. From my first 5K with the Bulldogs to training for the Boston Marathon, my journey has been one of growth, discipline, and renewed belief in what’s possible, simply by showing up. Now, as part of the club’s leadership team, and working in the addiction treatment field, I get to witness others show up for themselves each week, day after day, gain confidence, and discover their strength. I’ve experienced and witnessed firsthand the power of just showing up.
Running the Boston Marathon represents the courage to make meaning from hardship, and it’s an opportunity to give back. I am running for those still struggling, in memory of those we’ve lost to addiction, and to show that another life is possible.
Bridget O’Connor
Hi my name is Bridget!! I am beyond excited to run the Boston marathon for the first time and I’m even more excited to run for the Boston Bulldogs. While I occasionally join long runs, weekly runs and events with my mom. I can truly say that this organization is welcoming at the core for those who are in recovery and for those who are there for support or are running because they have lost someone important in their life. Addiction is something that has affected my family. In 2020 I lost my cousin to an ongoing battle with addiction. He was artist, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, and son. I have had other family members lose their battle.
I am proud that I get to run for them! This organization not only provides a safe space for those in recovery but also has an impact on those who are their to support their partners, or people they have lost.
Julia Ridley
I’m honored to run the Boston Marathon for the Boston Bulldogs, a cause close to my heart. I lost my talented, amazing uncle to addiction, and I want to help ensure that people facing similar struggles have access to support and a path forward. I love running and am grateful for the friends and family supporting me along the way.
Sarah Tatum
Running the Boston Marathon is a dream come true, and it’s an honor to represent the Boston Bulldogs and raise funds for their incredible work. I believe in the power of running and community to bring healing, connection, and positive change. I grew up in Florida and now live in the UAE with my three daughters.
Fiona Warren
Growing up with addiction in my family, I watched loved ones struggle for years. I’m honored to run the Boston Marathon for the Boston Bulldogs because I’ve seen what recovery can give back to a family. I want to help bring that same hope and support to others still waiting for their loved ones to find a path forward.
Aaron Weiner
Right after I graduated from Boston University with my MSW and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I began working at East Coast Recovery Center in Cohasset, MA. East Coast Recovery is an outpatient substance use treatment facility that supports people struggling with addiction. Going to work every day, hearing clients’ stories, sitting with their struggles, and celebrating their milestones give me a sense of purpose and fills me with hope. This work reminds me that there is always a way out for someone battling addiction.
Working daily with people who face a disease that is still so heavily stigmatized has taught me that so much of success is often simply showing up. Running for the Boston Bulldogs gives me a powerful way to show up for those who have to show up for themselves every single day. Raising money for this important cause allows me to be show up for those who need support the most, and to shine a light on a disease that is too often kept in the dark.
The Boston Bulldogs Running Club is thrilled to run the 131st Boston Marathon through the BAA Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program! We have once again been given 15 bibs for our runners to participate in this amazing event, and we couldn’t be more excited.
The Boston Bulldogs Running Club (BBRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all those affected by addiction, including those in recovery, family, friends, allies, and more. Through running, fitness, and community, we offer a supportive environment where people can build meaningful relationships and support one another in their journeys.
At the heart of the Boston Bulldogs is the belief that no one should face addiction alone. Our programs bring people together through shared exercise and activities that foster a sense of belonging. Through their participation in the 2027 Boston Marathon, our runners will raise funds for the Club to directly support our Club’s many initiatives and programs, such as Weekly Runs, Junior Bulldogs, Giving Back, our Leadership Program, and our award-winning Full Circle Program.
