On Monday, March 20th, Anthony will be standing near the starting line in Hopkinton, MA, alongside a crowd of 30,000 other runners. He’s running in his first Boston Marathon, raising money for Family ACCESS programs.
“I’m so excited. I’ve felt great the last few weeks, tapering my training runs and visualizing my race plan. I’m ready to go!” exclaims an enthusiastic Anthony.
To help Anthony get ready, kids ages 5–11 from a neighborhood program called Service Stars put together a goodie box for all those running, like Anthony. The box included non-perishable snacks, a Vaseline tube, and a woobie blanket for temperature control.
“The support and love I’ve received has been incredible. Family and friends can’t stop talking about how excited they are to visit Boston and cheer me on,” notes Anthony. “It’s overwhelming in the best way.”
To follow Anthony during his journey through the 26.2 mile course, you can download the free B.A.A. mobile app and put in Anthony’s bib number – 30685. You’ll be able to track his progress and root for him as he’s on route through the Marathon’s eight towns and cities.
“I know that after months of training and fundraising, crossing that finish line for Family ACCESS will mean the world to me,” he says.
Anthony is trying to reach his funding goal. Can you help?
Training runs. Daily stretching. Cutting out the sweets. With a little more than four weeks to go to the start of the 130thBoston Marathon, Anthony Marino says that physically, he’s feeling great.
“Overall, my excitement has just been growing,” says Anthony, who is running to raise awareness and funds for Family ACCESS. “There are definitely nerves, but that’s because it’s the culmination of all the work that has been put in.”
Anthony has slowly stepped up the mile count as he has trained over the last few months. He was thrilled when he reached his training goal of 20 miles a few Sundays ago. A full marathon route is 26.2 miles.
“This was my longest run to date and a bit of a dress rehearsal for the big race! I could feel it when I got to mile 18,” he explains. “From here on, I will lower my distances leading up to the marathon so I don’t burn out.”
Anthony says he’s doing his best to physically and mentally prepare for Heartbreak Hill, the three to five percent grade incline in the course that he’ll hit around mile 20 in Newton. Fortunately, that stretch has plenty of personal meaning to keep him running strong.
“I get to run past my alma mater Boston College right after so I’m hoping that will give me a rush,” he notes. “The last six miles are going to be tough, but I’ll be running through the neighborhoods I used to live in – during school and immediately after school, then my office is at mile 25. I know the nostalgia and crowds will give me that extra boost.”
Anthony needs some help to reach his fundraising goal for Family ACCESS. So far, he’s reached 41 percent of that goal.
“I love spreading awareness for Family ACCESS and getting my friends and family involved,” he beams. “It all makes eventually crossing that finish line all the better.”
In less than two months, Anthony Marino will take on a challenge he’s never faced before: a full 26.2-mile marathon. While Anthony is focused on crushing his personal goals on the Boston course, he is also running to champion the mission of Family Access, helping serve local children and families.
“So far, New England weather had been my greatest obstacle. Snow and ice make it difficult to find routes that are safe enough to run,” says Anthony. “I have a small, 1.5 mile route around my neighborhood, and I definitely got some looks as people saw me run it over and over again one weekend.”
Overall, Anthony notes, training is going well and his body feels strong.
“The last three weekends have been predominantly built around my longer runs, which have been between 15 and 18 miles. Before this training, a half marathon (13 miles) was the longest continuous run I had ever completed, and now I’m doing that and then some every week,” he explains.
Recently, Anthony had a chance to come to Family ACCESS for a tour and to meet some of the children and staff.
“All the kids were so nice and welcoming. I loved seeing how each class has its own creative identity. Seeing the phenomenal work being done, reinforced the importance of this fundraising,” he says. “My visit made me further appreciate how much we’re all a team for this race.”
For now, Anthony continues to refill his stock of energy gels (fuel endurance packets). He’s learned he needs more than the one he takes before his run, as the distances become greater.
“Now I have to open one mid-run, as well,” he explains, adding, “Trying to open them in the cold is a whole other challenge!”
With just two months to go before the 130th Boston Marathon, Anthony has raised 30 percent of his goal for Family ACCESS. Can you help?
Anthony Marino, who in April will run his first ever marathon, says he is on track with his training, despite the recent crazy, New England weather.
“Waking up early to run is never easy, let alone when it’s below 20 degrees,” notes Anthony, who is running the Boston Marathon to raise money for Family ACCESS. “The biggest setback happened at the beginning of January when rain froze overnight and the sidewalks around my house were dangerous. I ran on the road as much as I could, mindful of local traffic, but took a slip.”
The fall wasn’t too bad, but Anthony says the bruise served as a painful reminder of the incident for a few days. Overall, the training is helping him build confidence, and he even thinks he may beat the original goal time he set for himself.
“My wife, Emily, has been especially great. She keeps me honest about getting up early to train and makes sure I prioritize my recovery, too,” says Anthony. “I feel like I’m progressing well and will get to that finish line.”
Call it peer pressure – or maybe his heart simply grew bigger than his nerves.
In April, Anthony Marino will run his first full marathon. And he’ll do it in Boston, to benefit Family ACCESS.
“I have a group of four friends and I’m the only one who has not run the Boston Marathon,” says Marino, 30, from Andover. “This is my chance to show I can do it, and for a great cause.”
Family ACCESS received a 2026 Boston Marathon charity bib from the city of Newton. Marino heard from a friend about the opportunity, applied, and was chosen to represent the organization. While he hasn’t run a full 26.2 mile trek yet, he’s completed six half-marathons in the past few years.
“I have my training plan. On Wednesdays, I do five miles at marathon pace and on Sundays, I’ll work my way up to longer distances,” say Marino. “In March, I’m scheduled for a 20-mile training run.”
Athletic challenges are nothing new to Marino. He played soccer in high school and at Boston College, where he graduated in 2017, he was on the crew team. That’s where he met and later married his college sweetheart, Emily.
“We don’t have any kids yet, but I have four nieces and nephews under the age of six,” he notes. “I can appreciate an organization focused on early education and on providing resources for young families in the community. Family Access gives each child a jump-start on learning.”
Marino works in accounting for the fitness technology company WHOOP, maker of wearable bands that track blood oxygen, heart rate, sleep and other physiological data to improve health and performance. He says the band will “definitely help” with his training. As will thoughts of a brighter future for area children.
“When I was on the crew team, each rower had to do his part to get to the finish line,” he explains. “When I run this marathon, it will be like having all the kids touched by Family ACCESS in the boat with me. We’re all a part of this team.”
With your help, each step Anthony takes toward the finish line will move Family ACCESS toward its goals. Please consider supporting his 2026 marathon run by making a donation here.
Aideen Doneski is not only training for the Boston Marathon; she’s running for a cause close to her heart: Family ACCESS. With a passion for running and a deep commitment to empowering families, Aideen has set her eyes on the finish line on Marathon Monday, April 21, 2025.
From High School Tracks to Boston Streets
“Running has become a part of who I am,” Aideen shares. “It’s my way to unwind, stay grounded, and take care of my mental and physical health.” The Boston Marathon has always been a source of inspiration, and now, she’s ready to take on the challenge herself in her first marathon run.
Discipline and Dedication
Training for a marathon is no small feat. Aideen stays motivated by planning her schedule weekly and finding joy in checking off each completed run. Her family provides unwavering support, ensuring she stays on track even when the miles get tough.
Miles for Children and Families
Aideen’s decision to fundraise for Family ACCESS stems from a deep admiration for their mission. “I am deeply inspired by their mission to empower families and create brighter futures for children,” she explains. “Their work in early childhood education, parenting support, and early literacy fills critical gaps for families.”
Race Day Rituals and Goals
As a first-time marathoner, Aideen’s primary goal is to enjoy the experience and finish strong. “I remind myself of all the training I’ve done and approach the race as a celebration of that hard work,” she says.
Beyond the Run
Outside of running, Aideen’s life is filled with family adventures. She’s a devoted mom to two energetic boys and enjoys traveling, hiking, and supporting her sons’ sports activities. She also loves tackling creative projects and cherishes moments of downtime to recharge.
Double Your Impact!
Aideen has already raised an incredible $5,000, and she’s not stopping there! She’s working towards raising another $5,000 to further support Family ACCESS’s vital programs. And here’s the exciting news: Village Bank is generously matching all donations made between now and Marathon Monday, up to $5,000!This means your contribution will have double the impact.
Join Aideen in supporting Family ACCESS and empowering families in our community. Donate today and help her reach her goal!
