Running Down a Dream
Eastford Resident takes Aim at Boston Marathon
‘My only goal is to inspire others and to give back’
EASTFORD — Allison Glasser had no idea what life was going to bring her when she moved to Eastford six months ago. She works as a private aviation flight attendant travelling all over the world, and she’s also employed as a Certified Recovery Coach at Dartmouth Health in New Hampshire, helping pregnant and postpartum women who are suffering from Substance and Alcohol Use Disorder.
Recently, this new Eastford resident has been given multiple opportunities to push herself farther and continue to give back. In fact, she will be running for charity in the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20.
How did Glasser qualify to run in one of the world’s top marathons, one that people train a lifetime for? She didn’t! Instead, a philanthropist friend of hers donated a significant sum to Boston Marathon sponsor Mass General Hospital. With that donation came a couple of coveted slots in the marathon. Allison was given one of those slots, and will now be running to support the hospital.
Interestingly, before this opportunity, Glasser was not a habitual runner.
“Honestly, I never considered myself a ‘runner’ or even enjoyed the thought of running long distances,” she said. “I’ve never trained for a marathon or even run a 5K before starting marathon training. I have, however, been a huge activist for exercise and fitness since I got sober in 2013 — not just for the physical benefits, but also for the mental and emotional effects. I am also a firm believer that beauty and growth lie beyond your comfort zone, so when the opportunity arose to do the Boston Marathon, I couldn’t say no.”
Glasser is also currently competing in a nationwide fitness competition called Miss Health and Fitness 2026, now in its 16th year. She reported that more than 45,000 women are competing and she is currently in first place in her group of 70 women. The quarterfinals against 11 other contestants is next. If she takes first place in the competition, she plans to donate all of the $20,000 cash prize to the Mom’s In Recovery program at Dartmouth Health’s OB Department. This will help pregnant and postpartum women with mental health issues, and also alcohol and substance use disorders. In addition, $1 for every vote goes to the B+ Foundation to help kids with cancer (https://www.bepositive.org/).
“My only goal is to inspire others and to give back,” Glasser said.
Though a newcomer to Eastford, she said the town already holds a special place in her heart.
“Over the past year, I have become friends with so many amazing and kind people in this area. Real salt-of-the-earth people who have warmly welcomed my fiancé and me, and helped us in so many ways.”
She added that her desire to give back includes the Eastford community as well.
“I would also very much like to give back to Eastford and the surrounding area in some small way,” she said. “I hope to do this by possibly initiating a running club, where people of all abilities can come together to socialize, have fun and be more active in our beautiful community and surroundings.”
E-mail [email protected] if you’re interested in joining. More information about the fitness competition can be found here (you can vote online to support her in this competition. Voting ends April 2). Allison’s fundraising page for the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20 can be found here.
Courtesy photo
