BCNC is proud to announce Marlon Esguerra and Bernard Harkless will be representing Team BCNC at the 2012 Boston Marathon thanks to the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. John Hancock provides local non-profit organizations with guaranteed entries into this world famous race.
Marlon and Bernard are not only setting out to accomplish an extraordinary personal goal but also committing to bringing hope to people by raising funds for BCNC. Team BCNC has a goal to raise $14,000 for programs for children and youth of the greater Boston Asian community. Will you join them and help them reach their goals, click here to make a donation!
Post Marathon Update:
Despite the heat, our marathon runners did an amazing job representing BCNC at the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16th. With the Boston Marathon as his 8th and toughest marathon, Marlon was able to finish in 5.5 hours. Bernard, his first marathon, was not able to complete and had to seek medical attention at mile 20. With the temperature reaching 89 degrees, over 2,100 of the 22,000 runners received medical attention. Even last years winner, Geoffrey Mutai, had to withdraw at mile 18. We are very proud of our runners for the committment and determination they have shown in support of BCNC.
Marlon and Bernard are so close to their goal of $14,000, please continue to support them even though the race is over.
Click for more pictures of the fundraiser and race day.
RUNNER PROFILES:
Meet Team BCNC runner: Marlon Esguerra 
Age: 37
Occupation: High School Teacher, Adjunct Professor of Education
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why are you running the 2012 Boston Marathon?
There is no race like the Boston Marathon, but I’d run anything from a 5k to an ultramarathon if it benefits an organization like BCNC. The Boston Marathon will be my 8th marathon since I started running in 2010, and certainly, the most difficult in terms of my desired running pace and the course. For me, marathons themselves are not difficult. If the hard part—training—is done, then a marathon is just a 26.2-mile victory lap.
Why are you fundraising for BCNC?
I’ve known about BCNC from friends and fellow youth advocates, some of whom have worked for BCNC or have benefited from its programs & services. As a teacher and educator for over 13 years now, my work with youth and the Asian Pacific Islander Community mirrors the mission of BCNC. Whether it’s working with Filipino American teens in Queens, Asian elders in Uptown Chicago, or fundraising for BCNC, the APIA community survives & thrives with the support of a group that is truly more than half the world strong!
Why do you think people should support BCNC?
No doubt we are in a tough economic stretch as a country. No doubt we experience this stress day-to-day in our families and communities. No doubt everyone is spread thin in time and energy—not just financially. But it’s especially at times such as these that supporting non-profit community organizations such as BCNC is crucial. They are a lifeblood of culture, tradition, and opportunity across generations. When times are difficult, we turn to each other for support.
When did you start running and why?
I made a promise to my father before he passed to be healthy. I started running consistently in early 2010, mainly to lose weight. I shed over 60 pounds, and 2000 miles of running later, I’m proud to say that I’m well on the way to keeping that promise.
What inspires you?
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things; people going the extra mile; unfailing faith in the good in people; people with a seemingly endless supply of energy and willpower.
Any friends or family going to be there to support you on race day?
I have a few friends in Boston that will be out there. My NYC friends who will be there to support me, I in turn, will be supporting them. We’re running Boston together!
What songs are on your iPod when you are running?
During training in mid-2010, I started using a metronome to increase my cadence. Apparently, there’s an optimal number of times your foot should fall per minute when running(?). I couldn’t bear to use the metronome only (it’s also loud and annoying), so I actually started running to whatever music matches a 90-92bpm or 180-184bpm. In short, 90’s hiphop, 80’s death metal, or 60’s avant guarde jazz with odd time signatures. My iPod is a hot mess.
What do you do to relax and for fun?
Sleep. Read. Other types of marathons, especially watching TV shows one season at a time.
What is your favorite movie?The Sandlot. It reminds me of my childhood.
Click here to sponsor Marlon Esguerra for the 2012 Boston Marathon!
Please continue your support for our other Team BCNC runner - Bernard Harkless. Click here to sponsor Bernard for the 2012 Boston Marathon!
Meet Team BCNC runner: Bernard Harkless 
Age:26
Occupation: Graduate Student in City Planning at MIT
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Why are you running the 2012 Boston Marathon?
When I moved to Boston, I thought it would be great to accomplish the goal of running the Boston Marathon. When the opportunity came to fundraise for BCNC AND run the Boston Marathon, I realized this was a chance to accomplish two great things in my life. This will be my first marathon!
Why are you fundraising for BCNC?
My initial interest in urban Chinese communities came when I studied New York City’s Chinatown in college. I was interested in how places became defined by the background and experience of those that inhabit it. US Chinatowns are dynamic places, and part of this authenticity comes from the immigrant experience and the opportunity for vibrant communities to be formed.
My wife is Chinese-American, and her father is a minister at a church in Virginia with a growing immigrant population. This experience has allowed me to observe that the Chinese immigrant community has many needs to thrive in America. Organizations such as BCNC provide these services so their dreams can be realized.
Boston Chinatown will continue to face development pressure, potentially losing the significant cultural amenities that it provides to the Chinese community. My goal is to make people aware of the value of the Chinese immigrant community in Boston, and to increase the level of advocacy for diverse cities that more accurately reflect our globalizing world.
Why do you think people should support BCNC?
BCNC provides a tremendous service to the Chinese community of Boston. Organizations such as BCNC need support to progress and develop to meet the current needs in the community. There are tremendous opportunities to further develop the arts and cultural enrichment programs that they provide. It’s important for BCNC to develop all of the skills that those in the Chinese population might need to thrive, and arts and culture provides an opportunity to communicate important Asian traditions to those in the Chinese community as well as Greater Boston.
When did you start running and why?
I grew up competing in track and field in middle school and high school. I have come to appreciate distance running and the peace of mind that it provides. I love cities, and distance running has given me a new way to experience parts of the city that I would have never otherwise explored.
What inspires you?
Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I am inspired by the desire to continue to achieve something greater than myself. Everything that I have accomplished and will accomplish in my life is for something greater that has been determined by God. That’s great inspiration to work hard.
Any friends or family going to be there to support you on race day?
My wonderful wife will be there to support me. My sister who is finishing up business school in Boston will be attending. My parents might also make the trip from California.
What songs are on your iPod when you are running?
Lots of techno and David Guetta
What do you do to relax and for fun?
I enjoy watching movies and television with my wife. We also enjoy going out and trying new restaurants and foods.
What is your favorite movie?
V for Vendetta
Click here to sponsor Bernard Harkless for the 2012 Boston Marathon!