Oct 9, 2025
2026 Bank of America Boston Marathon® Official Charity Program x BGR! Athletes
Black Girls RUN! Foundation is so honored to be selected for the 2026 Bank of America Boston Marathon® Official Charity Program. The 130th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America will take place on Monday, April 20, 2026. Please meet our three amazing charity athletes, support them in their fundraising efforts, and follow them on their journey to the finish line!
Support Black Girls RUN! Foundation
https://www.givengain.com/campaign/join-us-for-130th-boston-marathonr-31718
Jacqueline Gregg
I am a runner, an RRCA-certified run coach, and a fitness enthusiast. From 5Ks to marathons, I’ve raced every distance in between. My journey began in 2010 when I joined our local chapter of Black Girls RUN! and fell head over sneakers in love with running. What I found was more than a sport—I found sisterhood, support, and a shared mission: to shatter the myth that Black girls don’t run and to raise awareness about the health challenges disproportionately affecting women in our communities.
It’s no exaggeration to say that running changed my life. Through my own health challenges, running has been my moving meditation. It’s how I stay grounded. In 2021, I became a BGR! Run Coordinator, and it’s been a joy to pay it forward—motivating other women to move and to embrace wellness in all its forms.
The Bank of America Boston Marathon has long been a bucket list race for me. To run it while raising funds for the BGR! Foundation—the very organization that sparked my journey—would be a full-circle moment. It’s where it all started, and it’s where I hope to give back.
Jacq’s Fundraising Page: https://www.givengain.com/project/jacqueline-raising-funds-for-black-girls-run-foundation-110036
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jacqbefit
Jackie James
I am Jackie James, originally from Brooklyn, NY and have resided in Oklahoma since 1986. I graduated from Langston University Tulsa obtaining my Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. My profession full-time is a Vocational Counselor advocating for individuals with disabilities to achieve desired goals. I enjoy spending time with family & friends, going to brunch, meeting new people and traveling. I am committed to remaining active, making running part of my weekly routine. I have been a proud member of Black Girls RUN! since July of 2016 and honored to serve as one of Oklahoma’s Ambassadors since October 2020. In the past year, I’ve added cycling to my awesome running journey. I hope to inspire and encourage others to keep moving forward.
Jackie’s Fundraising Page: https://www.givengain.com/project/jackie-raising-funds-for-black-girls-run-foundation-109997
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.james.5895
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjackiejames/
Alethia Mongerie
Heyyy, Alethia Mongerie here, some call me Coach Mekela. First, I want to say, I am so honored to have been invited to run the 130th Boston Marathon, raising funds for my sisterhood, BGR! Running has always been my favorite sports activity. It wasn’t until there was a health challenge on my job in 2011 that I started participating in races and shed the recreational, fair-weather, weekend warrior mantle. Much to my surprise, I could perform decently for my age group, and would often win age group awards. My awesome coach, Miki, brought out my potential and literally changed my life. While running one of the local races, my friend saw a t-shirt that said Black Girls RUN! In 2012, I joined Black Girls RUN! Central New Jersey (formerly Morrisville) and discovered the fun of running, racing and embracing a healthier lifestyle within this sisterhood. I volunteered to be a Run Coordinator and served as an Ambassador for 2 years, then back to being a Run Coordinator again. Since 2021, I have been the RRCA State Representative for New Jersey, providing support to our local clubs. Through these endeavors I have met some amazing people who have helped shape my journey.
As I met more experienced runners, the nerd in me wanted to learn more about the science of running, in particular Women’s Masters running. I was certified as an RRCA Endurance Coach in 2016 and Level II in 2022. I co-founded Sole Legacy Training in 2016 as a Facebook group, then solely formed Sole Legacy Coaching, LLC in 2022. It is one of my passions to share knowledge and help women become smarter athletes. I received my NASM Certification in Personal Training in 2020, to complement my coaching and I am constantly working on those continuing education credits.
I have completed 19 marathons (3 stars so far), and over 225 other races of various distances including several Ragnar relays. Aside from all the medals I have earned, I am most proud of the women (and a couple of guys) who I have had the pleasure of coaching and watching their successes. I am inspired by all of my sisters who are committed to living a healthier lifestyle. My passion is to encourage others to “Take It to The Next Level”. Leading by example, running one of the most iconic races, the 130th Boston Marathon for the most iconic running group in the country Black Girls RUN!, I feel blessed. #BGR4LIFE!
Alethia’s Fundraising Page: https://www.givengain.com/project/alethia-raising-funds-for-black-girls-run-foundation-110098
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mekela.mongerie/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mekelaracebunny