Meet Tom Hartge

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 Olympians so when Mark Duggan gave me a call for the New Hampshire group I jumped at the opportunity. 

Who inspires you to keep running? How / why do they inspire you?

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! 

How do you stay motivated on a tough run, when you are facing injury, or when you’d rather just sleep in?

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. 

Favorite pre-workout meal?

 A couple bananas. 

 Favorite post-workout meal?

 In the summer, ice cream! 

Favorite or must-have running gear or recovery equipment?

A good running cap! 

After Boston, any other races on your calendar?

I think that the first race I will run AFTER Boston this year will be the local 4th of July run in my hometown of Hood River. There is a 7 mile race prior to the parade every year and, other than a huge hill at about 4 miles, it’s a lot of fun!