| Search Our Site: | NPS Foundation Networks: |    |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
On April 19, 2010, Seven members of the NPS Running Club took on the challenge of running the nation's most prestigious, competitive marathon; the Boston Marathon. Although this is an accomplishment in itself, these servicemembers took on the challenge of fundraising for those wounded in action in addition to their physical training for the race. The NPS Foundation will be collecting contributions to the wounded in action charities, Sentinels of Freedom and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund on behalf of the NPS Foundation Running Club. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be split between the two wounded-in-action beneficiary charities selected by the runners. Any contribution no matter how large or small will go towards making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much to our country. Donations will be accepted through April 30, 2010. To donate online, follow the link on the bottom of this page.
Every year, the Massachusetts State Police sponsors several active-duty service members returning from combat tours to participate in the prestigious Boston Marathon. The NPS Running Club was fortunate enough to receive seven spots for this year’s race to be held on April 19th.
For the seven of us that will represent NPS in Boston...this offers an amazing opportunity. All of us have friends that have suffered life-changing injuries either in combat or in training. We want to use this event to raise funds for two charities that help injured service members and their families—Sentinels of Freedom and The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
This will be the first Boston Marathon for all of us and we each look forward to the incredible experience of running alongside some of the most elite athletes in the world. As an additional honor to injured service members, four runners will also participate in the Big Sur International Marathon six days later for the inaugural Boston to Big Sur Challenge!!
LT Christopher Kelley, USN, 35, Financial Management student. Active member of the Running and Cycling Clubs. Ran five marathons last year and two half marathons. Also, completed the 130 mile bike ride from NPS to San Francisco with the Cycling Club last November. Running Boston to Big Sur. He is also part of the NPS 12-member team competing in the 199-mile relay from Calistoga to Santa Cruz a week after Big Sur.
Capt Kendall Bodnar, USMC, 30, Information Systems Technology student. Active member of the Running and Cycling Clubs. Completed two Olympic distance triathlons last year. Also, completed the 130 mile bike ride from NPS to San Francisco with the Cycling Club last November. Running Boston to Big Sur.
MAJ Ismael Rodriguez, USA, 36, Defense Analysis student. Active member of the NPS Running club. Completed two half marathons since arriving at NPS in June 2009. Other notable running accomplishments include participating in the 2007 and 2008 Pikes Peak Ascent half marathon, the 2005 Chicago marathon, and the 2004 Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks, Alaska. Running Boston to Big Sur.
Hellenic Air Force Major Stavros Krimizas, 38, Acquisition and Contract Management student. Active member of NPS Running club. He has only run marathons in Europe (Athens Classic and Paris), but did run the Big Sur Half Marathon last year. Running Boston to Big Sur. Next October, he will represent NPS at the 2500 year anniversary (410 BC – 2010 AD) Athens Classic Marathon.
LT Christopher Eckols, USN, 39, recent Financial Management graduate. As an original member of both the NPS cycling and running clubs, he was inspired by his peers to participate in local events that highlighted the beauty and drama of the California Central Coast. His running accomplishments include the Big Sur International Marathon, Big Sur 1/2 Marathon, and the Virginia Beach Shamrock 1/2 Marathon.
MAJ Herb Daniels, USA, 39, recent Strategic Defense Analysis graduate. Original member of the NPS Running Club. Ran the Big Sur Marathon and San Francisco Half Marathon last year.
Capt Stephen Lebo, USMC, 31, recent Defense Systems Analysis graduate. Member of the NPS Running club. Running accomplishments last year include the San Jose Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon, Santa Cruz 1/2 Marathon, San Francisco 1/2 Marathon, Big Sur 1/2 Marathon, and the California International Marathon.
LT Christopher Kelley, USN - 4:31.01
Capt. Kendall Bondar, USMC - 3:22.14
MAJ Ismael Rodriguez, USA - 4:07.53
Hellenic Air Force Major Stavros Krimizas - 3:54.43
LT Christopher Eckols, USN - 4:12.51
MAJ Herb Daniels, USA - 4:11.54
Capt. Stephen Lebo, USMC - 3:10.58
Congratulations to Stephen Lebo, Kendall Bodnar and Stavros Krimizas for the top three NPS times!
Thank you for supporting the Running Club Boston Marathon Fundraiser!
This fundraiser is now complete. $2,345 was raised by the Running Club to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the Sentinels of Freedom. Each charity will receive a check for $1172.50.
