Hello! My name is Alison Rose, and I am proud to be one of the 15 runners from Ashland participating in the 2025 Boston Marathon to raise money for the town I call home.

Some of you may know me from my 10 years at WACA, Ashland’s community media station. For others, this may be our first introduction—and either way, I’m so happy to connect with you! I’ve lived along the marathon route in Ashland my entire life, and since childhood, it’s been my dream to be involved in the marathon in some way.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the marathon in various ways—whether it was interviewing spectators at the start line for Around the Clock: News for Ashland, running my first Boston Marathon in 2019 to raise funds for Mass Eye and Ear, or volunteering with the Green Team last year to help keep the race’s start line clean.

My first Boston Marathon was in 2019, when my sister Michelle Rose (who is running for Ashland for the second time), and I raised funds for Mass Eye and Ear. I have an autoimmune disease affecting my eyes, and this cause felt deeply personal to me as I wanted to give back to the doctor who has helped me manage my condition while also contributing to important research.

Since then, I’ve completed four marathons, including the virtual London Marathon during COVID and the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge—5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon over four days. But this year’s marathon holds special significance. I’m running in support of the BAA Grant Fund, which supports essential programs in Ashland such as the Ashland Emergency Fund, the Ashland Food Pantry, and local events like WACA’s Summer Movie Nights. One of my proudest moments at WACA was organizing those Movie Nights, which brought our community together for free, family-friendly entertainment. The BAA Grant Fund played an essential role in making those events possible, and now I’m honored to give back.

My fundraising goal this year is $3,000, and every penny raised will directly benefit local programs that make Ashland a vibrant, caring, and resilient community. Whether it’s supporting families in need, providing critical services, or organizing community events, your donation will make a real difference.

Growing up in Ashland, I’ve always been amazed by how this town comes together—whether rallying around local businesses or supporting each other in tough times. For me, this marathon is not just about running; it’s about continuing that tradition of community support. It’s about showing that, no matter how big or small, we all play a part in making Ashland the incredible place it is.

I’m beyond grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the town that shaped me, and I hope to see you on the course on April 21, 2025!

To donate:

1. Visit the City Hall Systems website at www.epay.cityhallsystems.com

2. Select Ashland, MA from the Municipality drop-down list.

3. Click “Click here to VIEW or PAY your bills.”

4. Under “Select bill type,” choose Marathon Donations.

5. Complete all five fields, then click “Add to cart.”

Donations can also be made by check. Please include “ALISON ROSE” in the memo area and mail your check to:

Town of Ashland Boston Marathon Fundraiser

c/o Susan Robie

101 Main Street

Ashland, MA 01721

Thank you for your support, and let’s work together to make Ashland stronger than ever!