For the third year in a row, the Aquarium is fielding a team of runners who will take on the Boston Marathon. Runners hail from all corners of the United States: Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Washington, DC, and Washington state. There's also a large contingent from the Boston area, which means runners can gather for training and camaraderie during weekly long runs.

One of the early team long runs for some of our local runners, plus the most excellent support team,  who lug sports drinks and snacks to runners along the way!

In addition to training, these runners are all raising money in support of the Aquarium's outreach programs, which bring ocean education to local classrooms and after-school programs throughout the Boston area. These encounters with traveling tidepool animals and Aquarium educators are sometimes a child's first encounter with the sea. Engaging with these bright and enthusiastic students is a way to inspire future ocean protectors!

Local students enjoying an Aquarium outreach program

But before the classroom magic and the runners' dates with the finish line, they have to make the miles. It's been a challenging year to train for our local runners because of all the snow. 8 feet of snow, in fact! Microspikes and other traction tools are a helpful addition to sneakers on icy, snow-packed sidewalks.

This year in particular, micro spikes were an important part of the runners' uniforms

Across the country, teammates are having to contend with winter weather (like this recent shot near Washington, DC)