Over 2,000 runners, including hundreds of active military members, crossed home plate at Fenway Park Sunday morning after completing the nine kilometer Run to Home Base presented by New Balance.
The event, in its second year, raised over $2.6 million for the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital's Home Base Program, which provides care and support to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from combat stress or brain injuries.
First lady Michelle Obama sent a video message that was played at the opening ceremonies, and senator Scott Brown completed the 9k run.
“Our veterans represent the finest that our nation has to offer. They chose the path of service and willingly put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect our freedoms and way of life," Brown said. "It is my honor and privilege to take part in this year’s Run to Home Base, and I commend the Red Sox Foundation and MGH for all they do to care for our wounded warriors and raise awareness of the challenges they face,”
“The caregivers and staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Home Base Program are honored to provide care and support services to our military service members, veterans and families. Home Base builds on the hospital’s 200 year tradition of leadership in clinical care and commitment to improving the health of our entire community,” added Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of Massachusetts General Hospital.
New England-based servicemen overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq also ran their own versions of the event on Sunday.
