It was the jackets she noticed first — the colorful jackets with the distinct embroidered symbol on the back.

Hailey Tavares kept noticing the jackets as she walked along the Charles River Esplanade, and she wondered what they were all about. Eventually the Barrington native learned that they were the official Boston Marathon jackets worn by those fortunate enough to compete in the renowned race.

It was 2016 and Hailey had just graduated from Providence College and moved to the North End in Boston. Although she had never run competitively, she found herself drawn to the running community in Boston — she loved exercising and set her sights on a new goal: "I knew I wanted to run the Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team."

And just a month ago, Hailey's goal was within sight.

After logging hundreds of miles training, and raising thousands of dollars for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Hailey was just days away from running in the 124th annual Boston Marathon. Then everything changed.

Concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus forced officials to reconsider plans for the marathon.

"When news began buzzing about a possible delay, and even cancellation, my heart sank," Hailey said. "For one, I knew that whatever the decision, the mission came first and our team was making monumental strides in raising funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Claudia Barr program. On the other hand, we were moving into our final stretch of training and our longest runs yet, so I knew physically I was ready to go."

Eventually, officials decided to postpone the Boston Marathon until September. Hailey is making the best of the situation.

"With the new marathon date nearly six months away, we must do our best to maintain our fitness, nurture our bodies, and continue to run," she said. "For me, especially during these unprecedented times, I feel really lucky I can still get outside and do what I love. In many ways, the delay has given me an even deeper appreciation for the sport and the challenge ahead."

Training changes

Hailey Tavares is a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team.

Hailey said the team provides runners with great training resources — it provides a map for daily and weekly mileage, cross-training suggestions, and a schedule for Saturday long group runs.

"I am very grateful for the training support provided by my teammates and the Dana Farber running programs staff," Hailey said, adding that the camaraderie has also been very helpful.

After learning about the new start date for the marathon, runners shifted gears and tweaked their training routines. Hailey said she has been advised to taper her training and reduce her weekly mileage.

"Once the official news broke, I tried my best to look on the bright side and follow the lead of our coach and the veteran marathon runners on the team," she said.

Hailey added that Dana Farber's running coach Jack Fultz has been very helpful. She also praised the efforts of a co-worker, Jackie Brockmyre — her "accountabilibuddy."

"I truly do not know what I would do without her," said Hailey. "She helps me stay motivated, committed and consistent."

As a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team, Hailey has pledged to raise $12,750.

"At first, the challenge of fund-raising intimidated me but I was quickly reminded that the cause was one that, unfortunately, impacts most in some way, shape or form," she said.

To raise the money, Hailey has hosted fund-raisers, conducted virtual raffles, and participated in Facebook's "Giving Tuesday." Her college roommate, now living in Milwaukee, Wisc., hosted a "pilates marathon" in her pilates studio.

Hailey said the most rewarding part of raising money has been the connections she's made with people who are willing to support her effort.

"Truly, I am beyond thankful for the power of community and support from those around me because without them, reaching this goal would have continued to seem impossible. But with their help, it is possible," she said.

Hailey recently surpassed $8,225 in her fund-raising.

Want to help Hailey?

Barrington native Hailey Tavares is gearing up to run in the Boston Marathon in September. The race normally steps off in April, but was rescheduled to September because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. Hailey is running as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team. She said 100 percent of the money raised by team members will benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Hailey had planned a fund-raiser at McGreevy's in Boston, but had to postpone that event. She said she is hoping to hold the fund-raiser this summer. In the meantime, people are welcome to support Hailey at http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/haileytavares

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