Relay to conclude in Boston Common during annual flag planting ceremony
BOSTON – Starting in Veterans Park in Hyannis and ending in Boston Common, a new relay race event will take more than a dozen runners 100 miles up the coast of the state of Massachusetts. The TREK Relay for Veterans features two teams: one comprised of military veterans and the other of experienced endurance athletes. Both teams are raising money for Home Base Veteran and Family Care through the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. The run is set to conclude as volunteers are placing 37,000 American flags in Boston Common to celebrate Memorial Day. To contribute towards their fundraising, visit their donate website.
“Part of my foundation’s mission is teaching children citizenship and practicing acts of kindness. Showing support for veterans is our organization’s way of leading by example and showcasing creative ways that we can rally around causes we care about,” said Dave McGillivray, founder of the Finish Strong Foundation. “Home Base provides incredible care and support to military vets and their families, and I’m looking forward to seeing our two teams cross the finish line in Boston Common.”
“Home Base is incredibly honored to partner with the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation for this event culminating at the Memorial Day Flag Garden in Boston,” said Home Base Executive Director Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack Hammond. “We rely on the generosity of a grateful Nation to provide best-in-class care to heal the invisible wounds of war and this is a perfect example of the community coming together to honor our Nation’s heroes who have given all for our country.”
The two teams of runners will be traversing the 100-mile route at all hours, running through the day and night. They kick off the journey at 8 p.m. on May 24 in Hyannis and are expected to reach Halifax by sunrise. From there, they’ll continue on to Boston Common. They are expected to cross the finish line the next day around noon. Runners will take on different legs of the course, while the other team members follow in vans. Each runner will complete about 15 miles during the relay.
The invitation-only relay is expected to return next year, and the foundation is considering extending the run to travel from Washington D.C. to Boston Common and expanding the total runners and teams.
For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Their vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, which empowers them to move forward—one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT HOME BASE
Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location. Since its inception, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 30,000 Veterans and family members and trained more than 80,000 clinicians, educators, first responders and community members ensuring a brighter future for the 21st century Warrior and Military Family. Serving Veterans and Families from all over the world, Home Base is headquartered in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA with a satellite location in Florida, which as a nonprofit organization, operates predominantly on the philanthropic generosity of a grateful Nation. The program was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Red Sox. Learn more at www.homebase.org.
