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
All About Tom
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.
Ben Langlois
All About Ben
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!
Troy Wight
All About Tory
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.
