Meet the 2018 Xtra Mile Boston Marathon Team helping us to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Special Olympics Movement by running 26.2 miles for inclusion!

Jessica Upton is just one of the runners on our 26 member Boston Marathon team who's not only making a difference in the lives of our athletes in 2018, but will have a lasting impact on Special Olympics Massachusetts that will help our movement and organization continue to support the athletes of today and tomorrow as we look forward towards the next 50 years of sports opportunities and inclusion!

Read on to learn more about Jessica

‍Where did you grow up? ''Maynard MA"

‍What do you do for work? How does this influence your experience with Special Olympics? ''Assistant Athletic Director/Coach - Whether it was working in a severe special education classroom or working with the MIAA to start a Best Buddies program for our athletic department, I have seen first hand what sports can do for an individual," she said. ''By participating in these events, individuals can grow and build lifelong friendships that they otherwise wouldn't have."

‍What does Special Olympics mean to you? ''The special Olympics allows all athletes, no matter their intellectual capacity to feel what it is like to be a part of a team. The special Olympics allows these athletes to compete in these sports and build confidence and something they will take with them forever.'

‍Have you run a marathon before? ''This will be my first Marathon!"

‍Did you grow up watching the Boston Marathon/ volunteering? ''I always watched to marathon as a child and as years went by i would be on the sidelines cheering the runners on."

‍How many races have you participated in? ''I have participated in over 100 races!"

‍Do you have a motto? ''The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow."

‍Support Jessica in her Fundraising Efforts Today!

‍Want to run, bike, or compete in a triathlon to support Special Olympics Massachusetts? Join the Xtra Mile Today!