New England Dairy is proud to introduce our 2021 Boston Marathon® Moo Squad.
Our four in-person runners will each raise at least $10,000 before hitting the course on Monday, October 11, 2021. Our virtual team member will run the same distance over a 24-hour period that same weekend. Funds raised through these bibs will support increased physical activity, nutrition education, and access to healthy food for youth and families in Boston and throughout New England.
We have an incredible team of runners from different regions and backgrounds. Get to know them below and join local dairy farmers in supporting school nutrition programs and nourishing our neighbors.
Stephanie Tencati
Meet Stephanie Tencati, a mother of two daughters from Clinton, MA. Stephanie is passionate about wellness and has competed in countless races, runs, and walks for charity. She started out running local 5k races then worked her way up to half marathons, before completing her first full marathon in Washington D.C. in 2018. This will be Stephanie’s second time completing the Boston Marathon.
Massachusetts locals, you can help Stephanie fundraise in person! She is hosting a comedy fundraiser featuring top local comedians. Join her on Friday September 10, 2021, at Clinton Turner Hall in Clinton, MA for laughs, raffles, and more. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be purchased here.
Learn more about Stephanie and support her marathon journey here.
Martin Hanehan
Meet Martin Hanehan, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Saratoga Springs, NY. He has competed in many road races, duathlons, and triathlons over the years, and he is now excited to complete his first marathon. Marty is an active member of his community, serving as President of his County Farm Bureau for many years. He is also a lifetime member of his local fire company where he was a commissioner for 20 years.
Marty is the owner and operator of Turning Point Dairy, a five-generation Dairy of Distinction farm. One of the largest employers in the Town of Saratoga, NY, they manage 2,200 acres raising hay, alfalfa, and corn to feed their 1,000 dairy cows.
Turning Point Dairy, which celebrated its centennial in 2013, is truly a family farm. Marty’s son and nephews all have distinct roles working on the farm, while his daughters and nieces all work within the agriculture industry. Marty and his wife hope their grandchildren (the sixth generation) will inherit that same appreciation and interest for the family farming tradition.
Learn more about Marty and support his marathon journey here.
Jessie Farnham
Meet Jessie Farnham, a supporter of all things agriculture and an active member of the Vermont community. She has tried every kind of race from trail running, to triathlons and ultramarathons. In addition to the Boston Marathon, she is training to run a 100-mile race in Des Moines, IA this September.
When she’s not busy training, Jessie serves as Vice President for the Board at David’s House in Lebanon, NH, an organization that provides support for families with children receiving treatment through the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. She is also on the Board of Governors for Leadership Upper Valley, a program under the nonprofit organization Vital Communities which cultivates the civic, environmental, and economic vitality of the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Jessie and her mom, Jeannie, organize the yearly Under the Tree 5k/10k road race fundraiser and awareness program for the Hartland Christmas Project. This year’s road race is taking place on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Learn more about the race and register here.
As a supporter of the Vermont Farm Bureau and Farm to Institute New England, Jessie is excited to raise funds to emphasize and establish local food systems as a source of healthy, local, and sustainable programs.
Learn more about Jessie and support her marathon journey here.
Alyson Comeau
Meet Alyson Comeau, a licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer from Gardner, MA. She obtained her master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she also ran Division I track and field. It has always been her dream to run the Boston Marathon, so she is excited to merge her love for nutrition (especially cheese and chocolate milk) with her passion for running.
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Alyson is passionate about food and believes all foods have a place and meaning in our lives. Her goal is to help clients learn ways to reject diet culture and live the most joyful and fulfilling life they can. As a Certified Personal Trainer, she emphasizes joyful movement, an exercise philosophy that encourages physical activity by moving your body in ways that make you happy. The movements can be anything, as long as you are being active and having fun.
Alyson’s favorite thing to bake is Whoopie Pies, and she’s even using them to reach her fundraising goal. On Whoopie Pie Weekends, Alyson makes and delivers Whoopie Pies to anyone in her community who donates $30 to her marathon fund. And what goes better with whoopie pies than a glass of cold milk?
Learn more about Alyson and support her marathon journey here. Then make sure to follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Clara Ayer
Meet Clara Ayer, a third-generation dairy farmer and co-owner at Fairmont Farm in Montpelier, VT. She is our first virtual runner, committing to run all 26.2 miles around her farm and community. As a mother of three, she is excited to raise funds that will set students up for success in the classroom.
Clara began working on the family farm in 2014. She has dedicated much of her time to the dairy industry, serving as secretary for the AgriMark YC program and the Vermont Holstein Association. She is involved with dairy promotion on the county level, state level, and regional level, as well as being involved legislatively with Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance. Clara was recognized for her efforts and involvement by being the first Emerging Leader inducted into the Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2018.
Fairmont Farm won the 2017 Green Pasture Award for their efficiently managed and healthy cows, sustainable conservation practices, and early adoption of new technology. It also was recognized for its commitment to educating the public about agriculture through farm tours, the 4-H program, and summer day camps for kids.
Learn more about Clara and support her marathon journey here.
