ROB WISE - RUNNING FOR AND IN YOUR BACKYARD

It is a great privilege to be able to run for one of the 24 official charity teams selected by the Boston Athletic Association to participate in the Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 19, 2010.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ESPLANADE:

The Esplanade is the shared backyard of every resident in metropolitan Boston. One of the oldest, most dramatic, and most popular urban parks in the Country, the Esplanade comprises three miles of parkland stretching along the shore of the Charles River from the Museum of Science to Boston University Bridge. Here, three million people a year run, walk, bird watch, play tennis, bicycle, rollerblade, walk their dogs, sunbathe, meditate, play chess, learn to sail, view fireworks, picnic, admire the scenery, read, attend concerts, play music, watch movies and host family reunions.

Despite all of this, or perhaps because of it, the narrow piece of land we call the Esplanade fell into generally poor condition during the 20th Century, and continues to struggle today. In short, after a century of change and heavy use, the Esplanade is depleted and in dire need of substantial revitalization.

WHAT THE ESPLANADE ASSOCIATION IS DOING FOR US:

The Esplanade Association is a dynamic nonprofit organization working to restore and enhance Boston’s historic Charles River Esplanade. As we approach the Esplanade’s 2010 Centennial celebration, The Esplanade Association is working to complete as many park restoration and improvement projects as possible. The Esplanade Association is working tirelessly to ensure that the Esplanade is a safe, active, and beautiful park for everyone who visits and continues to work to make the Esplanade a truly world class resource for all of its users.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT TO MY EFFORTS:

While the Boston Marathon is open to all runners, male and female, from any nation, those who want to challenge themselves with this race must either meet certain qualifying standards or run for an official charitable organization. The Boston Athletic Association charity program provides guaranteed race entries to individuals who commit to raise money for one of the B.A.A.’s 24 official charities. For those of you that have seen me run, you probably have a good idea that I am not yet ready to run the 3:10 qualifying time. Running the marathon has always been a dream of mine. Up until now, I have always thought it was out of reach. However, with each long run, I realize that while it will indeed be painful, I can do it. I am therefore asking for your support.

I certainly realize, especially in the wake of the terrible catastrophe that occurred in Haiti recently, that there are many great causes to donate toward. With limited funds to spread around, I understand that urban green space may not be at the top of your list. However, as cliché as this may sound, every little bit counts. On my donation page, I try to give you a idea of what each of your donations, small or large, will count towards. In this way, the next time you are on the Esplanade, you can have a tangible sense of the importance of your contribution.