Our Mission

The Boston Bulldogs Running Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing an anonymous, safe community of support for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, as well as for all individuals adversely affected by addiction. This wider circle includes families, friends, caregivers, the clinical community, and healthcare professionals.

The numbers behind Massachusetts' opioid overdose and substance use disorder (SUD) rates reveal a stark truth: addiction impacts our entire community. In Massachusetts, 25% of children live with a parent or caregiver struggling with SUD, and 9.2% of the population aged 12 and older battles active addiction. These numbers hit home in every town, school, place of worship, and neighborhood. While Massachusetts ranks 8th in the nation for the share of its population seeking treatment, only about 45% of individuals diagnosed with SUD received care in the past year. Barriers like cost, stigma, and lack of local options prevented many from getting help.

The Bulldogs meet people exactly where they are. No confusing paperwork and no long lines. We are a welcoming community. To experience the healing power of running and community that animates us, you just need to “show up.”

Our Club currently has 732 members—with 89 new members joining since January 1st. Sixty percent of new members arrive without family or financial support. To ease their journey, we provide t-shirts, running shoes, hats, memberships, and race registrations. Through dedicated programs like Full Circle I and II, we also help them learn the basics of running and acclimate to our vibrant community.

Are you or someone you love interested in joining the Club? Just show up at one of our weekly runs. The schedule is at the bottom of this newsletter.

Interested in supporting our work? Please click here or email me at jimk@bostonbulldogsrunning.org about how to become a sponsor.

Appreciatively,

Jim Keane

Executive Director

Meet our

2027 Boston Marathon Charity Team!

For the sixth year in a row, the Boston Bulldogs Running Club has received 15 charity bibs from the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program. These bibs will allow our runners to raise vital funds and awareness for the Bulldogs while competing in the 131st Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19, 2027.

Meet our 2027 Boston Marathon Team here!

A record 215 nonprofit organizations were selected this year, and we are deeply honored to have made the cut. The Club received a record number of applications to join our Charity Team and throughout September, Meaghan and Jim carefully screened each application and conducted dozens of interviews. They focused on identifying runners who are physically ready for the 26.2 miles, deeply aligned with our mission, and fully committed to reaching the $12,000 fundraising threshold.

This year's team is a diverse group of members and non-members, including individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, those who have been adversely affected by it as well as individuals in the clinical community. Our Marathon Team is already off to an amazing start and enthusiastic about raising awareness of the Bulldogs and highlighting the power of running, community, and recovery.

Get Your Tickets NOW! Bulldogs Comedy

Night Benefit Event December 4th

SAVE THE DATE: The Bulldogs Comedy Night benefit event will take place on Friday, December 4th at The Needham Village Club, located at 83 Morton Street, Needham, MA.

• Doors Open: 7:00 PM

• Show Begins: 8:00 PM

• Tickets: $40 each in advance through Eventbrite, or $45 at the door.

Capacity is strictly limited, so be sure to grab your seats early—our last comedy event sold out! The night features an incredible lineup: Dan Boulger (winner of the Boston Comedy Festival); Jimmy Cash, the Last Comix Standing winner who now headlines venues like the historic Wilbur Theatre; Corey Rodrigues, winner of the Funniest Comic in New England, Catch A Rising Star, and Big Sky Comedy Festivals; and Boston Magazine's "Best Comic," Bethany Van Delft.

Worcester Chapter's First Anniversary Celebrated at Polar Park!

To help celebrate our one-year anniversary in Worcester, MA, members of the Boston Bulldogs joined 80 friends, family members, and allies for a night of fun and baseball with the WooSox at Polar Park!

A special thank you to Jack Ingalls of Polar Park for arranging the event and giving our Programming and Outreach Director, Meaghan Langlois, the honor of throwing out the first pitch! We also want to thank Howie Kahn of WPKZ radio for attending and for his faithful efforts to promote our weekly run at Lake Quinsigamond State Park each Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM!

The event, generously sponsored by Bill Fredericks of AllCare Medical Supply. Rick Gaudette - who also attended - and Bill were vital in helping to establish the Bulldogs in Worcester. Thank you to everyone who came out and to the dozens of others who made this milestone possible!

Bulldogs Run the Cape Cod Marathon Half

The weather could not be beat! On Saturday, October 10, 14 Bulldogs participated in the Cape Cod Marathon Half in Falmouth. The scenic race hugged the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound, maximizing the views of Martha's Vineyard and the water.

The half marathon was among several recent efforts by the Bulldogs to introduce the Club to more people in the Cape Cod community. Other outreach highlights included a July 16th screening of the Boston Bulldogs documentary film in Orleans; entering a charity team into Falmouth Road Race on August 16; and, on October 15, participating in the Falmouth Commission on Substance Use.

Reflecting on A Long Run
by Max Wickersham

Thirteen years ago this month, I stood in front of my bathroom mirror wearing a plain white t-shirt, looking at an unathletic thirteen-year-old kid who desperately wanted to change. I then walked into the living room where my father, Walter, was sitting on the couch and asked him a question that would shape my life: "Can we sign up for a race together?" My dad had been a runner my entire life—and that day, we registered for our hometown Turkey Trot.

Once I started running, I never really stopped. That first 5K carried me onto my high school and college track and cross-country teams. More importantly, it gave my father and me a shared language. Not a single workout went by without me reporting back my distance, pace, or splits. Running was how we connected; it was how we loved each other as father and son.

When addiction came into my life, it brought everything to a hard stop. Drugs and alcohol stripped away every hobby, ambition, and connection. My world shrank to a revolving door of hospitals, treatment centers, and institutions. By the end, the miles had vanished, and my relationship with my father was gone. I felt completely alone, terrified, and just a half-step from death.

After countless rock bottoms and brushes with death, it took one honest glance in the mirror a decade later to accept that my life had become unmanageable. In that quiet moment of clarity, I didn't have to guess how to save my life. I already had the blueprint. My father wasn't just a lifelong runner; he was a man who had gotten sober before I was born and stayed that way.

Following his footsteps, I walked into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and for the first time since I was thirteen, felt that familiar drive to get healthy, to show up, and to reach for my dad. In just a few days, I will celebrate eighteen months of sobriety.

The bond my father and I built on pavement and finish lines has been reborn into a fellowship I never dreamed we would share. Last April, my dad stood in front of my home group and handed me my one-year medallion. Seven days later, I returned the favor and gave him his forty-year medallion before his homegroup.

A decade since that first Turkey Trot, my dad and I are signing up for another race together. Both running and recovery have taught me that a long run is rarely easy, and that terrain is always changing. But the constants remain: the tree at the corner of the Rez is always going to be there, the ground beneath our feet is always going to hold us up, and the family we have—and the friends and allies we build along the way—will always be waiting.

In the Boston Bulldogs, when the miles get heavy, we don’t quit. We slow down, check in with what we need, adjust our pace… but we keep moving forward, one step and one day at a time. For me, there is no greater gift than still being in the race, running side by side with my dad.

Our Bulldogs Board Grows

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Bulldogs rely on a volunteer Board of Directors that provides the expertise needed by our Club, perspective for our processes and procedures, and the passion to promote our growing organization to new communities, places, and spaces. We are thrilled to announce the addition of three new directors: Bryan Cote, Sheila Cusack, and Sowmya Sundararajan. To read more about them and all of our Board members, please click here.

Rep. Jim McGovern Laces-up for A Weekly Run!

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) joined us for a weekly run in Worcester on August 5th. Also in attendance were Kelsa Zereski, President of the Reliant Foundation, and Dr. Marianne Felice, a Trustee of the Reliant Foundation.

During round-up, Congressman McGovern observed that hope is "alive and well" with the Boston Bulldogs.

His presence spoke volumes about the vital need to support individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, as well as their families, friends, and allies. It also underscored the importance of staring down stigma, finding hope in darkness, and celebrating the awesome capacity of human beings to change.

Bulldogs Documentary Screened at

West Newton Cinema

To help celebrate September as Recovery Month, the Bulldogs partnered with the West Newton Cinema for a special screening of our acclaimed documentary film, The Boston Bulldogs. The powerful film highlights the resilience, recovery, and hope that define our nonprofit organization and our life-changing work with individuals overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. A portion of each ticket sale advanced our vital mission and programs.

Directed by Bryan and Jack Cote, the documentary has won accolades at the Toronto, LA, and Cannes film festivals. After the screening, an engaging panel discussion followed featuring the film's directors, Bryan and Jack Cote; Dr. Catharina Armstrong of Newton-Wellesley Hospital; and long-time Club member Liz Lawlor. See the film trailer here.

Trail Animals Classic Puts Big Foot Forward

The Bulldogs were out in force on Saturday, September 5th to participate in the Trail Animals Running Club (TARC) Fall Classic.

Held annually at Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, MA, the event offers 10K, half marathon, 20-mile, 50K, and 50-mile distance options, as well as the Yeti Mischief Mile and a free youth fun run. All proceeds directly support local groups and initiatives focused on outdoor access and land stewardship.

Falmouth Road Race Charity Team Steps It Up

On August 16, for the third consecutive year, the Boston Bulldogs were proud to be part of the Falmouth Road Race Benefactor Program. 10 generous individuals ran the 54th running of this iconic race and raised over $17,000 for our programs.

Dozens of other Bulldogs also participated, joining some 11,000 runners in conquering the scenic 7-mile course. The weather was warm and humid, but the scenery was spectacular—and it was great to see so many familiar faces at the finish line.

Full Circle I & II: Instills Principles, Supports Members

Junior Bulldogs "Run Club" at Cristo Rey Boston Promotes Running and Community as Essential Life Tools

The Third Principle of the Boston Bulldogs is "Giving Back." Last year alone, we organized approximately 120 Giving Back events at recovery centers, sober houses, shelters, jails, schools, and community organizations. We do this because service, community engagement, and helping others are central to who we are.

Part of this mission includes our eight-week Junior Bulldogs program at Cristo Rey Boston High School in Dorchester, best viewed through the lens of prevention and resilience. The students are predominantly from low-income households and neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by substance use, overdose, and other negative social determinants of health. Through running, wellness, mentorship, and community, the Bulldogs provide young people with healthy coping tools and supportive relationships before problems develop.

Generously funded by Steve Whalen of City Kids, this powerful program has been meeting twice a week since the start of school. Special thanks to Cristo Rey Boston High School staff members Kevin Brown, Ellie DeCrans, and Sam Golden, as well as Bulldogs Meaghan Langlois and Max Wickersham for organizing these sessions. We are also incredibly appreciative of Cristo Rey Boston High School President Rosemary Powers and Principal Dr. Tom Ryan for collaborating with us for a third consecutive year.

Bulldogs Roxbury Programming Takes Hold

Thanks to Frederica Williams, CEO of the Whittier Street Health Center, Christine Pajarillo, clinical social worker, and all the good people at the health center, Meaghan Langlois, Ashley Coffey, and the Bulldogs are leading a weekly community walk/run in Roxbury, MA, for a second consecutive year!

The group meets in the main lobby of the health center at 12:00 PM each Wednesday. Join us!

The Mass Half: Worcester’s Big Half Marathon Return!

For the first time in more than a decade, runners will once again have the chance to race a half marathon in Worcester, and the Boston Bulldogs are stepping up as a community partner to help this exciting new tradition achieve lift-off.

Scheduled for April 4, 2027, the Mass Half promises to be an incredible experience for the New England running community. Whether you are chasing a spring PR, training for a full spring marathon, or simply looking for a high-energy local race to run alongside the Bulldogs, this event is the perfect target.

The race will feature a dramatic start and finish at the iconic Polar Park. Thousands of runners from across the region are expected to hit the course—including a major turnout from the Boston Bulldogs Running Club, anchored by four runners on an official Mass Half charity team. Beyond the course itself, the Bulldogs will be out in full force cheering and volunteering behind the scenes to support the event operations.

The Mass Half will serve as the signature annual fundraiser for the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Proceeds directly supporting local nonprofits dedicated to making the region stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. To review the course map, explore volunteer opportunities, or secure your spot on the starting line, visit here.

Weekly Runs

The Boston Bulldogs organize six runs each week:

• Mondays at 6:30 PM – Thomas Crane Library (Quincy, MA)
• Tuesdays at 6:30 PM – Nelson Park (Plymouth, MA)
• Wednesdays at 6:30 PM – Lake Quinsigamond State Park (Worcester, MA; meet at 283 Lake Avenue, across from the Buffone State Ice Arena)
• Thursdays at 6:30 PM – Chestnut Hill Reservoir (Brighton, MA; meet in the DCR Reilly Memorial Parking Lot A at 355 Chestnut Hill Avenue)
• Saturday Mornings at 9:00 AM – Chestnut Hill Reservoir (Brighton, MA; meet in the DCR Reilly Memorial Parking Lot A at 355 Chestnut Hill Avenue)
• Sunday Trail Runs at 8:30 AM – Location changes weekly (Check our Facebook members page or the Heylo app for details)

Community, physical activity, and wellness are vital tools for recovery—and for life. Join us! We warmly welcome runners, walkers, and anyone adversely affected by drug and alcohol addiction, including people in recovery, friends, caregivers, supporters, and allies.

At each weekly run, we share announcements, a wellness tip, and fellowship. New members get the chance to introduce themselves and meet others. This is what a run looks like. Just show up!

Calling All Dogs! JOIN US!

Join the Boston Bulldogs Running Club or renew your current annual membership! Annual membership fees are $50 for individuals and $75 for households of 2-4 people.

If you are in financial need, simply apply as a "sponsored member" on the application form and we will waive the fee. 

Also, consider sponsoring a member in need. Donations cover the cost of t-shirts, jackets, hats, running shoes, gear, and race fees.

RUN As If Lives Depend on It!

Email Jim Keane at jimk@bostonbulldogsrunning.org for information about how you or your company can support our programs and signature events.

To donate online, please visit the link below or send a check payable to Boston Bulldogs Running Club to: 

The Boston Bulldogs Running Club

675 VFW Parkway, Suite 408

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3656

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