For the third consecutive year, the church is accepting applications for two numbers in the historic Boston Marathon, scheduled this year for April 21.Although some 20,000 people run in the marathon (26 miles, 385 yards), entering the event is difficult because of the large number of individuals eager to secure a place. In addition to the $150 entrance fee, the applicant also must have run a qualifying time at a previously certified marathon.
Runners who use the Community Covenant numbers do not have to qualify or pay the fee. However, in return for the numbers, runners must agree to use the opportunity to raise money for the church camping scholarship fund.
The arrangement is possible because of an agreement between the church and the city dating back a number of years.
Because of the popularity of the race and the huge numbers of people descending on the city, vehicle parking is difficult to find and comes at a premium. Community Covenant found that it could raise important money to help fund its camping program by offering parking spaces at $5 each, as well as selling food on race day.
Times change. To help minimize congestion, the city made other arrangements to provide large parking areas – free of charge – with city shuttle buses ferrying people to the race site. The city asked the church to discontinue use of its parking lot on race day.
The church agreed, which meant an immediate loss of some $1,500 for the camping fund, says pastor Bruce Johnson. An arrangement was made with the marathon organizing committee whereby the church receives two racing numbers to be used to help raise funds for the camping program.
Funds raised by runners who are recipients of the two marathon running numbers are used to help children attend Camp Squanto at Pilgrim Pines, a conference center operated by the East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Two runners last year raised a total of $2,400.
For more information, email Community Covenant Church or call 508-435-3723. Proposals may be mailed to Community Covenant Church, 2 West Elm Street, Hopkinton, MA, 01748.
