Kayla McCann, a 2020 graduate of Hopkinton High School, is running this month for the Canty’s Underdog Scholarship Fund. A nursing student and Army ROTC cadet at Northeastern University, McCann ran the Boston Marathon virtual event in 2020.

McCann was a swimming teammate of scholarship namesake Brad Canty, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 17.

“Brad Canty was an important part of the Hopkinton community,” McCann writes on her fundraising page. “Brad was a loyal, kind and caring individual who was always putting his friends and family before himself. Brad was an energetic participant on the Hopkinton swim and dive team, where a lot of students got to know him most, including myself. Despite having to fight ongoing gastrointestinal disorders, he did not let the illness negatively impact his life.

“Brad’s determination and selflessness is remembered by many people and inspires me every day to not take anything for granted.”

Clancy hits course for Hopkinton Little League

Jessica Clancy is a CrossFit enthusiast who will take on her first marathon this month.

“I have always been an enthusiastic spectator,” she writes on her Hopkinton Little League fundraising page. “This year I will skip the early morning mimosas and line up as a runner.”

Clancy and her husband, Kevin, have four children ranging in age from 2-13.

“I am feeling all of the emotions, but most importantly I am proud to be running in honor of the Hopkinton Little League,” she writes. “Time for me to Lace Them UP!”

Khoo back for Friends of Hopkinton

Friends of Hopkinton has some friends in faraway places. The organization known for hosting the annual Family Day and last month’s inaugural Family Fling is benefiting from the efforts of runner Tom Khoo from Penang, Malaysia.

Khoo has run marathons all over the world, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Stockholm, Croatia, Berlin, Prague, Oslo, Valencia, Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast.

He ran Boston in 2019 for the Friends of Hopkinton as well.

Vivian trades skates for sneakers

Tyler Vivian grew up playing for Demons Youth Hockey, and now the Hopkinton resident coaches his three daughters on the ice. This year, he’ll also run the Boston Marathon to raise money for the organization.

“Growing up on the marathon route, running Boston has always been a bucket list item of mine,” he writes on his fundraising page. “After completing several half-marathons in recent years, that goal is now in reach. Being granted the opportunity to support Demons Youth Hockey and help raise funds to create an unparalleled hockey experience for our Demons players and their families is truly an honor and a challenge I am excited to undertake.”

Donohue leads HCA team

Hopkinton’s Joy Donohue is one of eight runners supporting the Hopkinton Center for the Arts this year. Donohue is captain of the team that includes Peter Coffey, Katharine Lagasse, Josh Reed, Michael Schatzberg, Mary Beth Spencer, Raymond Wong and Carlos Zhanay.

“In Hopkinton, a sign placed at the Town Common near the start line every year just before race day reads, ‘It All Starts Here.’ But I say — no. It all starts with YOU,” Donohue writes on her fundraising page. “People like you who choose to support our running team and efforts to raise money for deserving non-profit organizations like the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.”

Dragsbaek runs for Project Just Because

Ann-Michele Dragsbaek will be competing in her 16th Boston Marathon this spring. She started running after having her first child in 1997 but did not run a marathon until after her fourth child in 2006.

“Running became my passion,” she states. “I felt I was setting a good example to my children and teaching them they could do anything they set their mind to.”

Dragsbaek owned a hair salon in town for 26 years. She and her husband, Torin, still live in town, where they raised their four children. They also spend time at their second home in York Beach, Maine, enjoying time with family and their dog, Kobe.

Coutinho supports 26.2 Foundation

Mia Coutinho ran in last fall’s event and is looking forward to her first race on Patriots’ Day.

“I’ve lived in Hopkinton now 20 years and am proud to say I have witnessed MANY Boston Marathon starts. But to be *running* the famous 26.2 miles to Copley Square is an absolute privilege and a dream,” she states in her fundraising appeal.

Coutinho notes that donations last year helped sponsor the creation of a sculpture depicting Bobbi Gibb, the race’s first-ever female competitor.

“Donations to the 26.2 Foundation will go towards bettering community health, encouraging marathon preservation and strengthening international ties,” she states. “The 26.2 Foundation will use funds to build the International Marathon Center and Center for Human Endurance — a museum that will be a hub for heart-healthy education, cardiovascular training and a beautiful gathering space in Hopkinton, my hometown.”