By Susan Manning

Staff writer

When Cheryl Edwards saw the opportunity to give back to those who give to our country, she took the chance.

“I saw a flyer for the first Run to Home Base at my gym and found out that Home Base provides critical care to veterans, service members and their families with no out-of-pockets costs. Not having served in the military myself, raising money for this effort felt like a great way for me to contribute,” said the Ashland resident.

Although she had never run much before she started training for this program, she is about to run her 15th Run to Home Base.

“Before the first Run 15 years ago, I had never run more than a mile, and that was required for gym class. Now, in addition to my 14 years of the Run to Home Base, I have completed 5 half marathons and one full marathon, as well as a number of local 5 and 10Ks,” she said.

According to its website, “The Run to Home Base is a unique fundraising 9K run or 5K run/walk through Boston, ending with the unforgettable experience of crossing “home base” at historic Fenway Park.”

The soon-to-be-50-year-old audiologist at Children’s Hospital in Boston said her training schedule is what keeps her on track.

“I run about 3 days per week to prepare. My longest runs top out around 6 miles, which takes me about an hour. My running style is more stubborn than fast,” she said.

In her 15 years of running in the event, she has raised about $25,000.

“I have some very committed friends and family who have helped me raise almost $25,000,” she said.

For Edwards, who grew up in New Jersey and lives in Ashland with her husband of 20 years, it hits home. Family members have served in the military going back for generations in the Army, Navy, and the Air Force.

“I appreciate that Home Base removes barriers for people to access their services and has now served thousands of individuals from around the country. It has been amazing to watch the program expand over time to their current National Center of Excellence in Charlestown,” she said.

To donate to Edwards’ run, visit runtohomebase.org/support/#cheryl.