Thomas Cantara
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, I'm Thomas Cantara! I'm a Special Olympics athlete and I've been running marathons since 2012. Running helped me lose about 80 pounds after high school. My marathon PR is 2:31 and I am the returning T20 champion of the Boston Marathon.
In addition to repeating as T20 champion in Boston this year, I have my sights set on completing the Six Star Journey. I have just one to go - the London Marathon on April 27, 2025. I can't wait to earn the Six Star Medal! I'm on my way to set record-breaking times as a Special Olympics athlete in each of these races.
For a peek at my recent race in Tokyo, check out this blog post!
Who inspires you to keep running?
My running friends keep inspiring me to run. When I had some bad/tough races, they keep me in it emotionally which keep me shooting for my goals.
What advice would you give to Special Olympics athletes who are taking on the TRY-ATHLETE challenge this summer?
Start with small goals and keep building off those goals and eventually you will achieve big goals. Be patient with the process. This is one of the big reasons I am now a pro runner!
Thomas Hartge
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, I'm Tom Hartge and this year I will be toeing the line for my 39th Boston Marathon! I grew up in Michigan and attended Boston College. In my freshman year I watched Bill Rodgers win his first Boston Marathon, which inspired me run it myself. In my senrio year I did just that. Having attended six Olympic Games, I understand the enormous effort it takes athletes to compete in them and even more so in the Special Olympics. I hope that my effort in this year’s Boston Marathon will help some New Hampshire Special Olympics athletes to someday achieve their goals.
With so many Boston's under your belt, what made you commit to running on behalf of Special Olympics NH in 2025?
After running 38 Boston Marathons for myself I figured that I was long overdue to actually run for others. I have always admired Special Olympics athletes so when Mark Duggan gave me a call for SONH I jumped at the opportunity.
How do you stay motivated to keep running?
As I age I continue to be motivated to run and stay active mostly for health reasons whereas, in my youth, it was all about competition.
Who inspires you to keep running?
At the risk of sounding corny, there is a group of runners called the QCC (Quarter Century Club). To be a member of the club you must have completed 25+ Boston Marathons. These are the folks who inspire me to keep on going!
Ben Langlois
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Ben Langlois and I’m a Special Olympics athlete from Keene, NH. I started competing for SONH in 2014 in unified basketball and track & field. I love doing local races around my hometown but Boston 2025 is going to be my very first marathon. I’m excited for the opportunity! When I’m not running, you can find me playing basketball, working at Hannaford and driving for Thomas Transportation.
I think it's awesome to represent Special Olympics NH and to take on this new challenge!
What's a favorite Special Olympics competition memory?
One of my favorite memories was when I represented Team NH in basketball and competed for the gold medal. In the game I scored 19 points to get the gold against Texas. I was only 16 at the time. It was probably one of the best experiences I have had with Special Olympics.
What advice would you give to Special Olympics athletes who are taking on the TRY-ATHLETE challenge this summer?
Who inspires you to keep running?
The person who inspires me to keep running is David Goggins. David Goggins is a guy who trained to be a Navy Seal who went through some very low points. There was a time where I wasn't really motivated to exercise and lived an unhealthy lifestyle. He inspires me because you can always change yourself. It's all about mindset!
Tory Wight
Tell us about yourself!
I'm Tory Wight, a 48-year-old avid runner who loves the outdoors and likes to be creative during down times. I have always loved to run but I became more serious in 2012 when I raced a zombie-themed 5K. Boston will be my sixth marathon. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take on the historic Boston Marathon. I am running for those who cannot run and those whose health issues are an everyday challenge.
How did you meet Thomas Cantara?
I was introduced to Thomas by a relative of mine, knowing how I'm such an avid runner. We friended each other on Facebook and then met for a run together. His background in getting into running is an inspiration. I get the sense of how much he not only enjoys the sport but also how much confidence it has given him - which is why I believe Special Olympics is such a great cause. These athletes can achieve whatever they set their goals to in sports when they gain confidence.
What advice you would give to Special Olympics athletes who are taking on the TRY-ATHLETE challenge this summer?
Know that you can achieve a goal when you put your mind to it, listen to your body so as to avoid injury, but most importantly have fun!
How do you stay motivated on a tough run or when you just don't feel up to it?
I promise myself a reward after the workout. For example, if the weather is very cold and I have to do 12 miles or so I think about a nice hot shower and a good movie to watch. Or in hot weather I stop at an ice cream shop for a watermelon sherbert. I know that once I complete the workout I feel accomplished!
