This is Kassandra’s first time running the Boston Marathon, and she’s representing #teambcnc. Help Kassandra reach her goal and make a donation here! 

 1. Why are you interested in running the Boston Marathon and representing Team BCNC? 

Boston is where I was born and where I grew up.  Of course, the Boston Marathon is an iconic race and it would be such an amazing experience to run the Boston Marathon, which will be my first marathon, in the city that I grew up in, and representing BCNC, which was an essential part of my childhood and young adulthood.  I participated in the Red Oak Afterschool and Summer Program as a child and worked there until I was about 20 years old.  I used to look forward to summer camp every year!  It’s where I played, explored, learned, and grew.   

To this day, I remain close with the friends I met in the program. They are lifelong friends that I would have only known because of BCNC and it’s because of BCNC that I have this community.  As a child of Chinese immigrants, this community made me feel safe, welcomed, and nurtured.  I’m proud to represent Team BCNC because I know firsthand how vital these programs are for children like me.  For me, representing Team BCNC is the ultimate way for me to give back to the organization that gave me so much.  It’s an amazing honor for me to represent Team BCNC and running and raising money for them help ensure that children and families like mine will have access to resources they need to thrive.   

2. When and why did you start running? 

I started running competitively in my freshman year of high school.  I was on the indoor and outdoor track team and mostly ran the 200 and 400 meter events.  I also did the long jump.  The longest I ever ran was maybe 3 miles.  If you told high school sprinter me that I’d one day be training to run a marathon, I would never have believed you!   

I kept up with running, but always ran shorter distances.  About a year ago, my friend talked me into signing up for a 5k, which I had a lot of fun doing.  A few more 5ks later, I was running a 10k.  After a few 10ks, I ran my first half marathon and now I’m addicted to running!  

3. What empowers you to keep running after a long day? 

I think the fact that I had a long day is what drives me to run.  It’s a time where it’s just me focusing on my goal with no outside distractions.  It’s how I unwind and if I’m struggling to get out there, I remind myself about how triumphant I always feel after a run.   

4. Where is your dream destination for running? 

This is a tough one because there are so many beautiful destinations.  I think it would be Greece. 

5. What is one thing you can’t run without? 

I definitely need music!  I’ve had my headphones fail a few times during races and it made it pretty challenging! 

6. What do you hope to achieve with Boston Marathon? 

I hope to crush my $10,000 fundraising goal, finish the marathon around 4 hours, turn 33 in style the next day, and make Team BCNC proud!   

7. If you could make up any Gatorade flavor that would be served at the marathon aid stations, what would it be? 

I’ve actually given this a lot of thought—passionfruit!  

BCNC is proud to be an official Partner of John Hancock in the Marathon Non-Profit Program.