#WalkingBoston – A Marathon in Every Boston Neighborhood: Beacon Hill, Boston Common & Public Garden

By: Patrick Maguire

Book Chapter: Human-to-Human Service

Posted: 10/22/2023

Welcome to #WalkingBoston. To learn about the inspiration, mission, goals, and ongoing updates, please see the #WalkingBoston launch blog post.

To date, the total official distance walked on the first 11 Boston walks in Eastie, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, South End, Chinatown, Leather District, DTX, Financial District, North End, West End and Waterfront = 148.35 miles. Every walk is a minimum of a half marathon, 13.1 miles and is verified using the MapMyWalk app. A full marathon will be covered in each neighborhood that is large enough, and small neighborhoods will be combined. The goal for the entire mission is to cover at least 1,000 miles. ‘Bonus Walks,’ like the Harbor Islands, and Night Walks on main streets, will be included after walking every neighborhood.

The #WalkingBoston journey continues on Wednesday, 10/25/23. The walk covering Beacon Hill, Boston Common, + the Public Garden leaves The Paramount at 44 Charles Street at 8:45 sharp. Early bird breakfast, stretching, and map/course review at The Paramount beginning at 8am. The weather looks great, lots of sun with a high temp of 69 degrees.  All are welcome to join, even just for breakfast and/or a portion of the walk.

[Please Note: A post-walk summary, reflections, and pics/videos from this walk will be included at the end of this blog post.]

As always, please send me ‘must see’ sights along the way, including ‘hidden gems,’ art, nature, parks, murals, fountains, history, architecture, Mom & Pop #SmallBiz, etc. on the map above. I love getting suggestions in advance to include while mapping out the walks. The course will be finalized on Tuesday, 10/24. Please email patrick@servernotservant.com or comment at the end of this post with specific, ‘can’t miss’ suggestions.

If inspired by #WalkingBoston, please consider a donation to the following:

#1- Make-A-Wish MA & RI. As most of you know, the mission of Make-A-Wish is to create life‐changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. I love the work that they do and am honored to be partnering with them. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish team for their professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Donations inspired by #WalkingBoston can be made by clicking on this link.

#2- Stride for Stride is also a partner of #WalkingBoston. Stride for Stride is a non-profit running organization that buys race bibs for immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income runners – the goal is to make races more accessible, inclusive, and diverse for everyone. Stride for Stride founder, Tom OKeefe, aka @BostonTweet, “Our logo signifies equality. It’s simple, bold, and shows that you support running for all. Our goal is a simple concept too, but one that changes lives. Having a race to strive for keeps you focused and healthy, while crossing the finish line is pure joy and empowering in both sport and life – it proves that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Never give up!” Donations inspired by #WalkingBoston can be made to Stride for Stride by clicking here.

Please take a moment to view this short segment where CBS/WBZ Boston reporter, Lisa Hughes sat down with Stride for Stride founder, Tom O’Keefe as part of her ‘Change Makers’ series: Click here.

Now that I have a completed more than 5 marathons, I’m in the process of negotiating sponsorships and collaborations with local companies and individuals, and I’m wide open to all creative ideas to raise money. Donations to Make-A-Wish and Stride for Stride are tax deductible.

#3- Lastly, several folks have reached out asking how they could sponsor/support my #WalkingBoston mission and expedite the publication of my #ServerNotServant book advocating for service industry workers and fellow humans. A grassroots fundraiser has been set up to keep me walking and writing. Donations can be made here.

Please remember to check back after the 10/25 walk for reflections on the day, along with a photo album in chronological order of the trek. Thank you and much gratitude to everyone following, supporting, and sharing the multiple missions of #WalkingBoston – A Marathon in Every Boston Neighborhood. I hope to see you on the road…

Cheers-Patrick

PS-Here’s the cover of a book sent to me by one of my best friends, Paul Barry. I’ll be using this to map a strategy for walking as many of the Boston Harbor Islands as possible during my ‘Bonus Walks’ to get my official total over 1,000 miles.


One Response to “#WalkingBoston – A Marathon in Every Boston Neighborhood: Beacon Hill, Boston Common & Public Garden”

  1. techylist says:

    I love this idea of walking the marathon in every Boston neighborhood! It’s a great way to get to know the city and its neighborhoods.

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