Hope Bonos is taking on the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series for the first time.
This will be Hope Bonos’ first time running in the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay, and she’s going all out. Not only is Hope running in each of the races in the series, but she’s also raising money for Akron Children’s Hospital as a Children’s Champion.
“I decided to sign up as a Children’s Champion because I wanted to give back to Akron. I’m thankful to have grown up in this community,” Hope said. “I believe in supporting our future, which is our children.”
Hope started running in high school, mostly as a way to train for soccer and lacrosse. Now in college and working 2 jobs, she wanted a hobby that would work with her busy schedule so she started running again.
“I started running a lot more this past spring and did a 5k almost every weekend in April,” Hope said. “I love it; it helps me stay in great shape.”
Not only did Hope find a way to stay in shape, she’s also found friends within the local running community.
“The running community is very friendly and supportive,” she said. “And because of that, I would encourage other runners to become Children’s Champions because they would be supporting a good cause.”
Hope’s goal is to cross 2 finish lines this fall – one at the end of the half marathon course and the other when she reaches her fundraising goal of $2,000. So far she’s raised $700 and wants to encourage her fellow Children’s Champions to keep their fundraising finish lines in sight.
“Don’t give up on trying to get donations and remember why you are doing this. Anything helps, even if it’s just a few bucks,” Hope said. “Keep up the good work; you’re making a difference.”
Hope after finishing the National Interstate 8K and 1 Mile at the end of June.
Click here to get Hope closer to her fundraising goal. If you’re running the Blue Line this September like Hope and would like more information on the Children’s Champion program, you can reach out to Nicci Avalon at navalon@akronchildrens.org
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