This week Richard was joined by Marla Runyan of the Perkins School For The Blind and John Linehan CEO of Zoo New England to elaborate on the great charities Richard and his wife Mari are running for during the Boston Marathon. On April 16th Richard will be running in the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) 5k which occurs 2 days before the Boston Marathon. But, he will not be running your normal 5k. He will be running the entire race blindfolded led by his wife Mari via a two foot tether. Richard will be running the Blindfold Challenge to raise money for the Perkins School for The Blind. Richard’s goal is to raise $1000 for the school. During the race he will experience the race through sound and feel only while running the same course as the other racers. Marla is an accomplished marathon runner who holds the record time for visually impaired women AND men in the Boston Marathon is a representative of the Perkins School. She expounded on the school’s significant history and the great work the school does for the visually impaired.

Perkins is a great organization that prepares children and young adults who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with the education, confidence and skills they need to realize their potential. It is the oldest school for the blind in the United States. Historically, in 1887, Perkins director Michael Anagnos sent graduate Anne Sullivan to teach Helen Keller in Alabama. After working with her pupil at the Keller home, Sullivan returned to Perkins with Keller in 1888 and resided there intermittently until 1893.

Not to be outdone by her husband, Mari Muscio will be running her first Boston Marathon on April 18th with Team Zoo New England. Zoo New England is the private, non-profit corporation that operates Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts. John Linehan, Zoo New England CEO, joined Richard to explain the research which goes on at the Zoos and their conservation efforts. Mari is thrilled to have the opportunity to run on behalf of Zoo New England and its mission. Mari loves animals, and has visited zoos and wildlife preserves all over the world. She is excited to run and fundraise on behalf of Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo as this will positively benefit the Zoos’ mission and reach.

Listen to a podcast of Marla Runyan and John Linehan’s interview!
Listen to a podcast of Marla Runyan interview!
Listen to a podcast of John Linehan interview!

Even if you didn’t listen to the live show, you can support their efforts by donating to Richard here and Mari here.