Meet Xtra Mile 2019 Boston Marathon Runner Bonnie Bence

Bonnie and her son
Bonnie and her son

Bonnie Bence grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and still lives in St. Louis with her husband.  They have four children: three sons and a daughter. Bonnie's involvement with Special Olympics comes from her son, Chris.  Chris is the Senior Manager for the Business Department for Special Olympics Washington D.C.

Bonnie first got involved with children with intellectual disabilities when she was 15 years old.  Her father was the person in her life who got her involved.  He was very involved with the St. Mary's Special School in St. Louis.  He would get Bonnie and her brother involved and helping out at the school.  Her brother helped teach the children basketball, while she helped to teach them how to swim.  A quote that Bonnie has remembered throughout her life is the poem God's Special Child.

Bonnie wasn't really a runner when she was growing up and started running for fun with her father around the time she was 15/16 years old.  Bonnie has completed relays with all three of her sons, a triathlon, half marathons, as well as full marathons in the past.  The idea of running the Boston Marathon came from one  of her sons.  He told her that if she could run a half marathon then she could definitely run the Boston Marathon because the only difference is that the length is doubled.  He even told her that he would pay for her to run the Marathon.  In 2008, Bonnie made the decision to start running the Boston Marathon and has continued to run it year after year. Her son Chris has been out watching her run the marathon route since the first time she ran in 2008.  This year, Bonnie will have two of her sons, her nephew, family, and friends out on the marathon route cheering her on. Bonnie hopes to run the 2020 Boston Marathon with her son, Chris.  This would also be special for her because at the 2020 Boston Marathon she will be 75 years old.

Bonnie and her son
Bonnie and her son

Bonnie Bence grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and still lives in St. Louis with her husband.  They have four children: three sons and a daughter. Bonnie's involvement with Special Olympics comes from her son, Chris.  Chris is the Senior Manager for the Business Department for Special Olympics Washington D.C.

Bonnie first got involved with children with intellectual disabilities when she was 15 years old.  Her father was the person in her life who got her involved.  He was very involved with the St. Mary's Special School in St. Louis.  He would get Bonnie and her brother involved and helping out at the school.  Her brother helped teach the children basketball, while she helped to teach them how to swim.  A quote that Bonnie has remembered throughout her life is the poem God's Special Child.

Bonnie wasn't really a runner when she was growing up and started running for fun with her father around the time she was 15/16 years old.  Bonnie has completed relays with all three of her sons, a triathlon, half marathons, as well as full marathons in the past.  The idea of running the Boston Marathon came from one  of her sons.  He told her that if she could run a half marathon then she could definitely run the Boston Marathon because the only difference is that the length is doubled.  He even told her that he would pay for her to run the Marathon.  In 2008, Bonnie made the decision to start running the Boston Marathon and has continued to run it year after year. Her son Chris has been out watching her run the marathon route since the first time she ran in 2008.  This year, Bonnie will have two of her sons, her nephew, family, and friends out on the marathon route cheering her on. Bonnie hopes to run the 2020 Boston Marathon with her son, Chris.  This would also be special for her because at the 2020 Boston Marathon she will be 75 years old.

label

Articles related

Text Link
Lacing Up for Legacy: Johanna Lamoureux Joins the Xtra Mile in Memory of Uncle

Throughout Johanna’s training and fundraising for the Xtra Mile Boston Marathon team, she has felt her uncle’s presence along the way.

Text Link
Special Olympics MA Athletes Show Gratitude for State Senators and Reps for Supporting Inclusion

On Wednesday, March 27th, Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes, community members, and staff headed to the State House to thank Rep. Garballey and other State Senators and Representatives who have demonstrated ongoing support.

Text Link
Natick High's Unified Athlete Set to Run Boston as Duo-Team

Peter Kline formed “Marathons With Meaning” to make running more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This year, Peter will run the Boston Marathon with Natick High School Unified Track athlete Yousef.