Four runners stand on street before running the Boston Marathon.
Four runners stand on street before running the Boston Marathon.

Historic Run for Massage Therapy Research

By Massage Today, Editorial Staff
November 1, 2021

Historic Run for Massage Therapy Research

By Massage Today, Editorial Staff
November 1, 2021

When the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announced its 2021 Boston Marathon Running for Research team members in 2019, Shari Aldrich, Kelly Cartus, Rich Evonitz, and Oliver Layco, didn’t quite envision waiting a couple years to complete in the middle of a global pandemic. However, the wait was over on October 11, 2021, when they finally completed the historic race and raised awareness for a good cause.

Collectively, MTF and its runners raised $52,518. Additional support came from premier sponsor American Massage Therapy Association and supporting sponsor Elements Massage. Hundreds of donors, family, and friends contributed to the cause as well.

In The Know

Team MTF—Running for Research has raised funds and created awareness for MTF since its inception eight years ago, including participating in the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program, where MTF raised a total of $445,498. “We celebrate our runners who have strongly stepped up during this challenging year,” says Robin Anderson, MTF president. “MTF eagerly moves forward to continue supporting the massage therapy profession and strengthen its future with free resources of research, education, and community service. MTF is deeply honored to be a part of this prestigious event.”

Runners’ Recap

Shari Aldrich, LMT, of Tumwater, Wash., is the owner of the Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage where she is also a massage therapy educator. She has run four marathons to date.

Kelly Cartus, LMT, Williamsville, NY, is certified in sports massage, SportStretch USA and a massage educator at New York Institute of Massage. October’s race in Boston was her second marathon.

Rich Evonitz, of Skokie, IL, is a corporate attorney at Delta Dental Plan Association and believes that evidence-based research is supportive of health and wellness. He has run seven marathons to date.

Oliver Layco, CMT, of Sacramento, CA, is a neuromuscular therapist with previous experience as an emergency medical technician. He has run 12 marathons to date.

Read More About What the Massage Therapy Foundation Is Up To:

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The Massage Therapy Foundation's research agenda