Many Burlington athletes will be lining up in Hopkinton on Monday morning to run the Boston Marathon, including former Burlington residents, Liam Cronin and Derek DeAntonis and Bedford resident, James Anderson. Liam, Derek, and James will run the Boston Marathon in James’s honor as members of The James Gang. So far the group has raised over $37,000 to support the Rory Belle Foundation as well as their mission to “provide opportunities for inclusion for adults with intellectual disabilities and promote awareness of NARS1 gene disorder.”
James is the oldest known person with NARS1 Gene Disorder, which has only been diagnosed in ten people nationwide. The gene disorder can have many impacts, including neurodevelopmental delay, difficulty with movement and language, inability to eat or process food, and more. You can learn more about NARS1 and the research underway to help find a cure at the Rory Belle Foundation’s website.
While the James Gang will run the Boston Marathon this Monday amid the cheers of many Burlington residents and other supporters, their work will not be done on Monday. They’ll continue raising money and supporting the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. James already participates in the therapeutic recreation programs offered by the Burlington Parks & Recreation Department, and the James Gang has sponsored a grant for the iCan Swim program, which will support those with disabilities in increasing their comfort and skills in the water. Read more about iCan Swim in the Buzz Spring and Summer Guide to Burlington!
Liam and James will be racing as a duo team departing Hopkinton at 9:30am. For those cheering them on from home, we expect the elite men to pass around 9:45am and the elite women around 10:15am. You’ll recognize the bright blue chair with James Gang wheels.
Derek will depart Hopkinton at 11:15am with many other charity runners.
Join the community in cheering on this team on at Esty street in Ashland at 9:45, Wellesley Square at 11:00, or along Boylston Street at 1:00.
If you are a Burlington resident running the Boston Marathon on Monday, let us know! Good luck to all running!
