History

Our History

Dreamfar High School Marathon (DHSM) is New England’s first high school marathon program.  DHSM was founded in 2008 by Jamie Chaloff, a special education teacher in Newton, Massachusetts. Jamie herself a rebel in high school, was drawn to the students who fell through the cracks; she knew there had to be a way to motivate them to be the best they could be. In 2004 Jamie completed her first marathon.  Reaching the finish line was one of the most empowering moments of her life.  It was that moment that everything “clicked,” and the dream of starting a high school marathon program began.

DHSM is modeled after the wildly successful Students Run LA program.  The inaugural team was made up of nine students from Newton South high school.  They trained with DHSM to successfully complete the Cox Providence Marathon in Rhode Island.  Over the last four years the program added 1 to 2 new school and experienced significant growth in student participation each year.  To date, over 100 students from six schools in the greater Boston area have trained for and run the Providence Marathon with DHSM. Next season we will be joined by Hope High school from Providence, RI.

DHSM gives students the opportunity to realize the significant achievement of completing a marathon, through a training program that values mentorship, dedication, hard work and support.  

DHSM is a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  Our hope is to one day reach every high school in New England.