BOSTON MARATHON
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Introducing the 2026 Play Ball Foundation Boston Marathon Team
The Play Ball Foundation Marathon Team is on a mission to raise critical funds to create and expand school-based sports leagues for middle school students in high-need communities across Massachusetts. Through Play Ball, over 8,000 middle school students in Boston, Lawrence, Holyoke, New Bedford, Lynn, Salem, Methuen, Chelsea, Quincy, Taunton and Chicopee have the opportunity to play on school-based teams, building confidence, teamwork, and deeper connections to their schools.
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We are beyond excited to introduce the incredible runners selected for the fifth Play Ball Boston Marathon Team! These dedicated athletes are not just running 26.2 miles—they are running to ensure thousands of kids have the chance to experience the joy, camaraderie, and life lessons that come from playing team sports. Their commitment fuels our mission and makes a lasting impact on the students and communities we serve.
Join us in cheering them on, supporting their fundraising efforts, and celebrating their dedication.
Let’s rally behind the team and show our Play Ball spirit on Marathon Monday!
MEET THE 2026 PLAY BALL FOUNDATION'S MARATHON TEAM
Marisa Acosta
"I grew up running track and playing softball, so I’m thrilled to run with the Play Ball Foundation and help students experience the same joy and opportunity that sports gave me! Boston will be my fifth World Marathon Major and a meaningful milestone as I celebrate my 30th birthday that weekend."
Mimi Chandler
"I’m running the Boston Marathon to support the Play Ball Foundation because sports have been a huge part of my life, giving me confidence, community, and joy. I want to help ensure more kids have access to these same opportunities knowing how powerful they can be.”
John Dundon
"I’m running for the Play Ball Foundation to help give children the chance to be part of a team and experience the same opportunities I was lucky enough to have."
Monte Hogan
"I’m running for Play Ball in honor of my brother Holt, who loved sports and everything they represent. I believe team sports are a healthy and powerful way to build confidence, community, and opportunity for kids.”
Ella Janvier
"I run for Play Ball because my experience as a 4th grade teacher has shown me how valuable sports are to any child. I believe that every child such have the opportunity to play on a team, be supported by a coach, and learn valuable life lessons."
George Kelley
"I run so that kids do not have to go without the developmental essentials that sports provide."
Julia Mann
"Growing up playing soccer, I experienced firsthand the impact that youth sports have throughout life. After tearing both my ACLs and not being able to play, I had an incredibly hard time getting back into sports until I found running. I run because every kid deserves a chance to love being an athlete and build life-long memories."
John Marsinelli
“I run for Play Ball because I believe every child should have the opportunity to play sports without the worry of paying for some of the fees that come with organized sports. With sports children can build friendships and learn life lessons.”
Tommy Ribaudo
"I was fortunate to play sports from an early age, and it has taught me how to work hard, be a good teammate, lose with grace, stay humble in success, and so much more. I believe every child deserves the same chance to learn those lessons, and the Play Ball Foundation works towards providing these opportunities for all kids."
Chris Ryan
"I am thrilled to be running the Boston Marathon for the Play Ball Foundation for the second time. The work that Play Ball does offering youth sports in underserved communities is essential for the well-being and development of kids. The opportunities that Play Ball provides allow children to have fun, build lasting friendships, develop a passion for athletics, and learn valuable life lessons from being part of a team. Play Ball is an incredible organization, and I am honored to have the opportunity to represent them in the 2026 Boston Marathon!"
Amy Sagalyn
"Sports have always been a big part of my life, teaching me valuable life lessons and meeting wonderful people along the way. I'm running for the Play Ball Foundation because all kids deserve the opportunity to play sports."
Brian Sieber
"Sports have shaped who I am from a young age, teaching me teamwork, discipline, and resilience while showing me how powerful athletics can be in building confidence and community. Beyond playing, I’ve spent my time in high school and college working with kids as a coach, counselor, referee, and mentor, seeing firsthand how sports provide structure, support, and a sense of belonging.
As I currently manage multiple gyms in the Greater Boston area, I continue to work with youth helping them grow through fitness. The Play Ball Foundation’s mission to expand access to school sports for students in under-resourced communities aligns perfectly with my lifelong commitment to empowering youth through sport and movement. Running for Play Ball allows me to extend that impact and help more kids experience the life-changing benefits of being part of a team."
Ally Soucy
Michael Stein
Tracey Sullivan
"Growing up with two sisters and always being on a soccer field, sports were such a huge part of my life. They gave me a community, lifelong friendships, and a way to unwind after school. As I got older, running became my outlet, something that brought me balance, clarity, and a sense of purpose. That’s why running for Play Ball Foundation means so much to me: every kid deserves the chance to experience that same sense of connection and confidence through sports."
"I chose to run for Play Ball Foundation because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong through sports. The Boston Marathon is my way of giving to this community and helping more kids get in the game."
"I’m running the 2026 Boston Marathon for the Play Ball Foundation because I believe every kid deserves the chance to play, grow, and feel part of a team. Sports have a special way of building confidence, joy, and lifelong memories, and I’m proud to support an organization that makes that possible. Each mile is my small way of giving back and helping open the door for more kids to experience the magic of the game. Running for such a meaningful cause makes the journey to the finish line even more rewarding!"
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Please support the Play Ball Team in their fundraising efforts, and show your support on Marathon Monday!