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PHOTOS: Boston Marathon 2012: Who's Running from Wakefield? (And Why?)

There are 20 Wakefield residents running the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16th. Find out more about each of the runners and why they've decided to go 26.2 miles for a cause.

 
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Richard Corapi - Stoneham Theatre
Richard Corapi, 51, of Wakefield, is running his first marathon this year for Stoneham Theatre. "I've attended the Boston Marathon as a spectator for a number of years and have always been inspired by the determination and will power of the runners," he said. "Deep inside I thought that it would be a great achievement to finish the marathon. Then I had the 'milestone' birthday and turned 50! In talks with Melissa (Symes Patalano) from Melissa's Main Street Bistro about the marathon, she mentioned that the Stoneham Theatre had one more number available for the Marathon. I met with the Theatre management team, they were very encouraging and positive about my desire to run, they showed me all of the wonderful opportunities that the Theatre offers for the young company and the community. I said 'I'm in!' After five months (great winter to train) of training I'm ready!" To donate to Corapi's team, visit this link: https://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/stoneham/donate Richard Corapi
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Mat Gagne, 41, a Wakefield resident and member of the board of directors at Stoneham Theatre, is running is first Boston Marathon this year. He is part of a team of runners who are raising money to support Stoneham Theatre. He has been a supporter of theatre and the arts since his freshman year at BC when he became a member of the school’s Improv comedy troupe. Credit Stoneham Theatre
As a proud member of the John Hancock 2012 Boston Marathon Employee team, Stacey Suntken, 39, of Wakefield, is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB). "Many people ask, why do you run?" said Suntken. "I say, there will come a day when I can no longer run, today is not that day! I've always believed in my resposibility to give back to the community through running. I am honored to be part of the John Hancock Marathon Team in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Boston and Chelsea." To make a donation online, go to: <a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/teambgcb2012/fundraiser/StaceySuntken/donate.">http://www.crowdrise.com/teambgcb2012/fundraiser/StaceySuntken/donate.</a> Make an offline donation by sending a check to Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, 50 Congress Street, Suite 730, Boston, MA 02109. Please note "Marathon" and Stacey Suntken in the memo line. Credit Stacey Suntken
Suzy Cappella, 37, of Wakefield, is running the 2012 Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Along with other Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge teammates from across the United States and around the world, the organization's goal is to raise $4.8 million to support scientists performing cancer research. To contribute to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge or to support a runner, go online to www.RunDFMC.org or contact the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge office at (617) 632-1970 or dfmc@dfci.harvard.edu. Credit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Chris Naper, 39, of Wakefield, is running the 2012 Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Along with other Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge teammates from across the United States and around the world, the organization's goal is to raise $4.8 million to support scientists performing cancer research. To contribute to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge or to support a runner, go online to www.RunDFMC.org or contact the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge office at (617) 632-1970 or dfmc@dfci.harvard.edu. Credit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
This will be Wakefield resident Jay Phillip's 4th Boston Marathon. "He just woke up one day and said, 'I'm going to run the Marathon this year.'" said his wife, Michele. "That was in 2007. He trained so hard for 6 months only to worry that the Marathon was going to be cancelled that year, due to a Nor'Easter blowing through with rain and high winds. But they didn't cancel, he ran it and did a fabulous job! He finished his first marathon with a time of 3:41. We were all so proud and of course impressed. After that one, he was hooked, he had the running bug. He went on to run 2 Chicago Marathons (2007/08), NY City Marathon (2010), Bay State Marathon (2009), Disney Marathon (2010) and 2 more Boston Marathons (2008/09). After each Marathon, he tells us it is his last, then somehow finds the strength to do it again. He even went so far as to do the Timberman IronMan 70.3 last summer. He is now again running Boston this year. There is something about the experience of the Boston Marathon. As many say “All roads lead to Boston.” We, as his family, are amazed at how he can run 26.2 miles and still he happy enough to give us a hi-five and a big smile as he is yards from the Finish Line. We have gone each year to cheer him on and are truly inspired by him and his fellow runners. Not a year has gone by without some runners showing extreme acts of kindness to their fellow runners. We have seen a runner stop their own race, turn around and help a fellow runner who has fallen and just simply can not go the last 1/4 mile to the Finish alone. Its truly a wonderful experience for both the runners themselves and the spectators. We are so proud of Jay and will be there this year again cheering him on. We know he'll do great!" Credit Michelle Phillips
Christina Winsor, 43, is running this year's marathon to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. "I'm running the 2012 Boston Marathon because it's an amazing experience that I love doing every year," Winsor said. "This will be my 8th Boston Marathon and my 19th marathon overall. It is a prestigious and challenging course with fantastic and energetic crowds. I encourage everyone to come and support the runners." You can support Winsor who is running again this year for Team Donate Life at <a href="http://www.donatelifenewengland.org/.">http://www.donatelifenewengland.org/.</a> Credit Cristina Winsor
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With just one week to go until the Boston Marthon, it's time to highlight the individuals from Wakefield who have invested the time, energy, and muscle power to run the 2012 Boston Marathon.

There are 20 Wakefield residents running the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16th. Find out more about each of them, and why they've decided to put themselves through 26.2 miles for a cause.

Click through the photo gallery to find out more about several of the runners. Browse the full list here:

  • Suzanne Cappella
  • Jaimee Carleton
  • Richard L. Collette
  • Richard Corapi
  • Kimberly K. Cummings
  • Jennifer M. Desimone
  • Mathieu G. Gagne
  • Laura M. Galopim
  • Patrick S. Glynn
  • Lyons, Matthew
  • Michael J. Mondello
  • Christopher M. Naper
  • Teresa O'Brien
  • Jack Raycroft
  • Angela C. Rogers
  • Ashley Staab
  • Stacey A. Suntken 
  • Vincent P. Sylvia Jr.
  • James W. Vincent
  • Cristina Winsor

Are you running but don't see your name and photo included? Submit it! Email editor Sara Jacobi at sara.jacobi@patch.com or simply upload your photo to the gallery with a caption.

Related Topics: 2012 Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon, Charities, Information Technology, Runners, and Wakefield Residents

Melissa Schools

8:22 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

Best of luck, runners! Stay well today!

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Sara Jacobi

8:24 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

Good luck, everyone! Take it easy in the heat!

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