The B.A.A. celebrates our incredible long-serving Boston Marathon volunteers
Every year we celebrate our incredible volunteers who have spent 30 years of their life giving their time and energy in support of the Boston Marathon.
These individuals are the ultimate ambassadors for us as an organization and the marathon specifically. For three decades, they have put us on their schedule for the third Monday of April and show up to lead teams and help us perform a range of duties that are instrumental to the success of race day.
We spoke with some of this year’s honorees at their celebratory luncheon to understand what brings them back each year.
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Theresa Cidlevich volunteers at all our events, holding a variety of roles over the years from packet stuffing to volunteer check-in at the Expo the entirety of race weekend.
What it means to reach 30 years as a volunteer:
“It means everything to me. I’ve been waiting so long for this 30-year luncheon, and I feel so lucky. I’ve done everything they ask me and probably even more than they ask me. But I’ve had the time of my life. I just I really enjoy it.”
What’s one memory or experience that stands out:
“One experience was at the Hynes Convention Center, when I was in volunteer check-in. A young girl from out of state came in and she was just beside herself in tears. She told me that she lost her race bib. She said, “all my training down the train!” And I said, “No, no, no, no. Please sit down; we’ll take care of it.” And sure enough, I walked her upstairs, and she was able to get a replacement bib, and it just meant everything to her. Going from a disaster to a success – that was wonderful.”
What being part of our races means to her:
“I feel really blessed to do it. I have had the best experiences that you could ask for, and friendships, it’s great.”
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Jennifer Svendsen has volunteered at Bib Distribution and Finish Line medals alongside her family. Her mom, dad, and brother have all reached 30 years over the past few years so between them there’s a combined 128 years of service to the B.A.A.! Her parents passed along the marathon volunteer tradition to Jennifer, and presented Jennifer’s 30-year medal to their daughter at the luncheon.
On what volunteering means to her:
“It’s just wonderful – the B.A.A. is such an amazing organization to their volunteers. We are welcomed back every year, we get to volunteer with our family, we get to see the same volunteers every year. They’re incredibly welcoming to everybody.
“As a volunteer to the runners, you see them come in and you get to meet people from all over the world and they’re having their best day. Picking up their bib, they are just so excited and so happy. For most people it’s like an awesome lifetime opportunity. We want to make it as special as possible for everybody coming in. So just to be able to do that year after year is just an amazing privilege.”
On volunteering and hitting 30 years with her family:
“Being able to volunteer with your family every year and to just keep coming back – it is amazing. The day is blocked off on the calendar and we are not doing anything else. No vacations, nothing.”
On celebrating volunteers:
“The thanks that the B.A.A. gives to volunteers is incredible. To hear about all the different areas – not just finish areas, or medals, or water or medical. It’s really like a community. Everybody is so nice.”
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Sally Watters is a Corral Entrance Monitor Team Captain in Hopkinton and bib distribution volunteer. Over the years, the Marathon has become a family event for Sally—at various times her husband, her daughters, her son-in-law, her sister, her nephew, her niece, her cousin, and many friends have all been involved.
What does the Marathon mean to you?
“The marathon to me is an incredible spirit of camaraderie. I hand out the bib numbers, and the eagerness and excitement on the part of the runners coming in is unbelievable. I also am at the start with the corrals, and again they’re just so excited. The funniest thing is when the runners don’t know which direction Boston is. You know, it’s just the anticipation, the excitement and the love. It’s hard to pin down.”
With so many family and friends being part of the marathon, does that add an extra layer of meaning for you?
“It does in many ways. But on Monday morning, I don’t have time to even think about that. I do try to see my daughter and my son-in-law as they go by. But I don’t always succeed. I’m swept up in the joy of the day.”
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Elaine Murray has volunteered at the start line, pasta dinner, and for the last 12 years has helped support packet stuffing ahead of race week.
Reflecting on volunteering:
“I’ve met so many nice people – runners and the people I work together with. It’s just amazing how such a big event comes together so well.”
“When I travel, I’d be in one of my jackets and people would ask, “Do you run that marathon?” I go, “Heck no. I volunteer!” There are many wheels that make this event run and I’m proud to say I’m a Boston Marathon volunteer.”
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Eric Moseley has volunteered at Shirt Distribution, Bib distribution, Packet Stuffing, Merchandise Sales, and the Info Desk. He’s also an athlete who ran the 2015 Boston Marathon and still made sure to stuff packets that year.
On the 30-year volunteer recognition:
“Today was a total unexpected surprise. I didn’t know there’d be a presentation and that volunteers would be acknowledged individually. So that was a great thing. I can’t say it any simpler. This event is great.”
Why he volunteers:
“I love meeting people. I mean, it’s an international event in and of itself, so people come from all over the world. Since I went through the experience of running it one time and one time only, that was enough for me. But I’m happy for them. I’m glad to see them prior to race day, happy and enthusiastic, and I love meeting people.”
Plans on continuing to volunteer:
“As long as I’m living, and I can get around, I’ll volunteer. I know that every January, I look forward to the registration email and signing up.”
On what volunteering is all about:
“The journey of trying to finish – that’s what it’s all about. Not everybody’s going to win, so it’s all about finishing and helping them on their way.”
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Alaina Lotsbom, Director of Volunteer and Community Programs said, “You are the heart and soul of the marathon. Your commitment is an inspiration to us all; it’s a reminder that when we come together with a shared purpose, the impossible suddenly becomes
achievable. The Boston Marathon is a celebration of the human spirit, and our volunteers demonstrate the strength of a community that stands together in the face of any challenge. You have not only witnessed history, but you’ve also helped create it. Your legacy is written in the stories of countless participants who crossed the finish line, and in the hearts of all those who have been fortunate to volunteer by your side.”
Meag Donnelly, Volunteer Program Manager said, “At the B.A.A., we treasure those who make our event truly world-class. Whether it’s our long-time volunteers – such as those who’ve hit 30 years of service – or our many champions who’ve charged to incredible finishes. You’ve all served as tremendous stewards of the Boston Marathon and the sport of running.
“At the very center, you are a group full of resilience and compassion and selflessness. You have been the key to success for every person who has crossed the finish line and received that Unicorn medal.”
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Thank to our 30-year volunteers:
- Toni Abraham
- John Andersen
- Beth Arrington
- Janice Arruda
- Paul Bettencourt
- Marcy Braxton
- Mary Jane Brennan Sangiolo
- Anthony Brice
- Steven Carter
- Kin Chung Wong
- Theresa Cidlevich
- Robert Cole
- Linda Foote
- Anthony Grace
- Bill Harrison
- Karen Hodge
- Kevin Hodge
- Martin Levine
- David Letasz
- Ellen Litt
- Eric D. Moseley
- Elaine Murray
- Kathy Nary
- Catherine Sheehan
- Jennifer Svendsen
- Ralph Swick
- Sue Trudeau
- Sally Watters
- Barbara Wilhelm
