Arts

South End Resident Set to Run

Thursday Jan 28, 2016

Max Alderman, 28, grew up off of Concord Rd. in Sudbury, MA. Every Patriot's Day, he would wake up to the sound of the fife and drum as the militiamen marched his home. He would run outside and join the other families in the neighborhood to wave and celebrate the historical significance of Patriot's Day. After which he'd head over to Framingham or Natick, where he would watch the Boston Marathon runners go by and hand out water with his friends. Over the years, Alderman has seen the marathon from every town along the route and still revels in its glory. It has been his lifelong goal to join the runners on the road.

Alderman's dream is about to be realized as he sets out to take on the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18 running alongside the YMCA of Greater Boston's Marathon team.
"I have always been in awe of the Marathon runners," said Alderman, who now resides in the South End, less than a mile from the finish line. "This year as I finally take on the challenge, it will be just like running home."

Alderman is running and raising money for the YMCA of Greater Boston, a cause that's close to his heart and an organization that he says is so much more than just a "gym and swim".
Alderman is a former Y employee who served as a coordinator for the Reach Grant and Diabetes Prevention Programs. He knows firsthand the impact that the Y makes on the community, and is inspired by the variety of chronic disease prevention programs that the Y offers.

"The YMCA is a mission-driven organization that is well-established, well-recognized, and trusted within many communities," said Alderman. "The extensive youth programming for teens also provides a safe place to interact with peers and be supported by positive role models and mentors."

All funds raised by the Y Marathon team members will support the YMCA of Greater Boston's teen programs. This past summer the YMCA of Greater Boston gave out 15,000 free three-month memberships to teens at the Y's 13 branches with unlimited access and held more than 900 community events. Programs like Safe Dating, Cyber Bullying, Job Readiness, Volunteerism, Leadership, SAT prep and mentoring programs empower and engage youth in productive ways.

By reaching out to his support network, along with local businesses in both Sudbury and the South End, Alderman has already hit his halfway point of his fundraising goal of $8,000, with $3,100 more to raise before the big race.

On March 10, Alderman will host a fundraising event at Paddy O's in Boston that is open to the public. The event will run from 7 to 10 p.m., and there is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. There will be live music from his brother's band, the "1-4-5's," which covers songs from the 90s and 2000s and raffle, with prizes including gifts cards to Picco, Cinquecento, AMC Theatres, Recycle Studio, Liquid Hair Salon and more .

"The funds raised through our Boston Marathon team are crucial in helping to meet the growing demands of our teen population," says James O'S. Morton, CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Boston. "This past summer was our busiest to date with each of our branches creating programming to fit the needs of the youth in their neighborhoods. YMCA of Greater Boston's teen programming is an invaluable resource for the youth of our city, keeping them off the streets, out of trouble, and engaged in productive and educational activities."

In addition to fundraising, Alderman has been busy training. "New shoes, a lot of cross-training, and the help from the Y team's running coach have been instrumental in keeping me on track," says Alderman. In case that there is another winter like 2015, Alderman says that the YMCA will help him prepare. "I am a member at the YMCA, so if it comes down to it, I will run inside on the treadmills, elliptical machines and take full advantage of the pool for water running exercises," says Alderman.

Runners who have qualified to receive a Boston Marathon bib and would like to experience the comradery of running with a team while supporting charity are welcome to join the YMCA of Greater Boston's Marathon team. Runners must raise a minimum of $1,500. For more information on how you can join the team or how to support the runners, email ymarathonteam@ymcaboston.org to learn more about YMCA's marathon runners visit, ymcaboston.org/boston-marathon-team. #RunYMCA

For more information Alderman, or to donate to his upcoming run in the Boston Marathon, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/ymcaboston2016/fundraiser/maxalderman.