The 2025 Boston Marathon Weekend was one for the record books—and the heartstrings. Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Xtra Mile Team showed up with passion, perseverance, and pride that lit up every mile, from the Boston Athletic Association’s Boston 5K to the full 26.2 from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.
- The Xtra Mile Marathon Team had 32 incredible runners who raised nearly $400,000.
- The Xtra Mile 5K Team brought 210 runners who raised $120,00
- Together, the Marathon Weekend Xtra Mile Team raised $520,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes
And the stories behind those bibs? Legendary.
Conrad, a proud athlete with autism, was more than just a runner this year—he was the heartbeat of our 2025 Xtra Mile Team. He crushed the marathon in just 3 hours and 10 minutes—despite suffering a serious muscle strain at mile 14. Not only did he conquer 26.2 miles with grit and heart, he also got to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park on Friday night, kicking off Marathon Weekend in epic fashion.
The father-daugher duo—Isabella and Jaime Zito crossed the Marathon finish line hand-in-hand, 12 years after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Their journey this year was more than a race; it was a powerful testament to healing, hope, and resilience.
Holden, a Boston College student and MetroWest Flyers coach for Special Olympics Massachusetts, brought his dedication full circle on Marathon Monday. As he made his way through the course, he got to spot and high-five several of the athletes he coaches. A quick exchange, a shared smile, and a reminder of why he runs.
Bonne Bence, at 80-years-young, proved that age is just a number, running her 18th Boston Marathon alongside her son, Chris. The crowd went WILD as they turned onto Boylston—living proof that it's never too late to chase a dream.
Xtra Mile Veterans — Stephen Fransblow (3rd time running Boston for the Xtra Mile), Ian Pinner (4th time running Boston for the Xtra Mile), and Kelsie Rainone (3rd time running Boston for the Xtra Mile), returned to the team with heart and hustle. Their loyalty and drive remind us that once you go Xtra Mile, you're always part of the family.
Little superstar JoJo had her own unforgettable moment, crossing the Boston 5K finish line alongside her parents. Born during the height of the pandemic, JoJo has faced multiple challenges, including bilateral hearing loss and visual and balance impairments—but she’s never let any of it stop her. She’s since gone from a walker to a gait trainer, to a cane… and now, to the Marathon finish line. Joy? Through the roof!
This weekend, the Xtra Mile Team showed the world what inclusion, determination, and community look like. THANK YOU to our athletes, families, donors, and supporters who made the 2025 Xtra Mile Team a movement to remember.
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