Join our Boston Marathon Team!

Franciscan Children’s cares for kids with complex medical conditions, mental health challenges and special education needs.  Our mission is to help each child reach their full potential, so every kid can. We’ve been doing this for 75 years.

By joining the Franciscan Children’s Boston Marathon team, you’re racing for more than just the finish line—you’re racing to provide hope, healing, and a brighter future for our kids and families.

You inspire young heroes

You empower children facing extraordinary medical and behavioral health challenges to push forward, making strides in their treatment and recovery. You give kids access to specialized care and therapies, from life-changing treatments to innovative mental health support. You make every mile count, from your town to our campus, creating ripple effects of compassion and support.

You strengthen families

You help create a circle of support around parents and siblings of our kids, helping them navigate both the physical and emotional complexities of their journey. You make it possible for families to focus on what matters most: being together, hopeful, and strong through every step.

You go the distance

Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps create a brighter future for our kids, so every kid can.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process to be selected as part of the team?
All interested runners must complete an online application. Along with your contact information and running experience, why you want to run for Franciscan Children’s, and your fundraising goal and plans. Once you submit your completed application, we may contact you directly to speak further.

Do I have to have run a marathon before to be considered?
No. We accept runners of all levels and welcome anyone interested in running for Franciscan Children’s to apply to our team.

What’s the difference between a standard and an own entry runner?
A standard runner is someone who is applying to use one of Franciscan Children’s charity entries/bibs to participate in the Boston Marathon. An own entry runner is someone who already has an entry/bib for the Boston Marathon from qualifying, a sponsor or another source.

As a runner who has my own entry, why should I fundraise for Franciscan Children’s?
By fundraising for Franciscan Children’s, you’re directly supporting life-changing care for kids facing complex medical conditions, mental health challenges and special education needs, giving them a chance to heal, grow, and thrive.

Where can I fill out an application?
You can fill out an application by clicking here >>

What are the costs associated with running the Boston Marathon?
In addition to the required fundraising commitment, all runners are responsible for paying their own Boston Athletic Association race registration fee of $375.

Fundraising

How much money do I have to raise?
Runners who want to run through a Franciscan Children’s entry must commit to raising a minimum of at least $10,000. Runners who already have an entry to the Boston Marathon through qualifying or another source (own entry), must commit to raising a minimum of at least $3,000.

How do donations help kids?
Donations to Franciscan Children’s provide life-changing care and support to kids and families when they need it most. Your contributions help deliver specialized treatments for children with complex medical and behavioral health needs, advance innovative therapies, and ensure that families have the resources and support to stay close to their child throughout their healing journey.

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising commitment?
Every runner who is accepted to the team provides their credit card information and commits to several fundraising deadlines throughout the training season. You’ll have until May 9, 2025 to reach your fundraising commitment. If you’re not able to reach the commitment by that time, your credit card will be charged the difference.

How can friends/family/colleagues donate to my run?
Your supporters can donate to your run by:

• Giving online by credit card on your personal fundraising page. Please note: online donations must be a minimum of $5.
• Making a check out to Franciscan Children’s. Put your (runner’s) name on the memo line, complete the check donation form on the website and include it in an envelope with the check.
• Giving you cash. Please do not mail in cash. If a donor gives you cash, write a personal check for that amount or get a bank check and mail it. Note: Make sure to write your donor’s information on the envelope or include the check donation form so we can add your donor’s name and donation amount to your fundraising page.

Where do I send donations?
Encourage your supporters to donate online directly to your personal fundraising page. If the donor prefers to write a check, make checks payable to Franciscan Children’s and mail them to the address below along with this check donation form.

Will donors who give by check appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our gift processing team will add donations received in the mail to your personal fundraising page. Offline donations may take 7-10 business days to be reflected on your page.

Do you send acknowledgement letters for contributions?
Yes. Franciscan Children’s acknowledges all gifts of $250 or more and sends receipts for these gifts per IRS guidelines. All online gifts will receive an automatic receipt.

How do I learn more about matching gifts?
Many companies offer matching gifts for their employees who give to non-profits like Franciscan Children’s. Increase the impact of your donation by applying for your company to match your gift now.

Will my matching gift count toward my fundraising?
Your matching gift will not count toward your fundraising until it is received and booked. Please note: It can take months for us to receive your matching gift and we cannot withhold charging your credit card on a fundraising deadline while waiting for your matching gift to arrive.

Can someone donate by Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
Yes. Learn more about donating by Donor Advised Fund here and share this link with your donors.

Can I create a Facebook Fundraiser for Franciscan Children’s?
Unfortunately, no. Because of technical changes that Meta (Facebook’s owner) has made to Facebook Fundraisers and payment processing, Facebook Fundraisers are no longer compatible with our fundraising systems.