Emerson, Di Mauro of GreenRoots set to run the Boston Marathon on Monday
By Cary Shuman
Jojo Emerson and Joe Di Mauro of Chelsea-based GreenRoots will be running the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston in the Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day Monday.
Emerson, 31, is the coordinator of GreenRoots Teaching Kitchen within the Food Justice Program and has worked at the agency for one year. Di Mauro has been the director of development at GreenRoots since August 2024.
The Chelsea Record reached out to GreenRoots’ dynamic and athletic duo for a few of their thoughts as they prepare to participate in the world’s most famous marathon.
Following are their responses to our questions:
Jojo Emerson
1. Is this your first run in the Boston Marathon?
Yes, this is my first Boston Marathon, but will be the fourth marathon I’ve run.
2. What inspired you to participate in the Marathon?
Running Boston has been a dream for me since I moved here in 2012. It is my favorite day of the year, and I have been volunteering at the marathon for 8 years.
3. Are you running in support of a charity?
No, I am running as part of the BAA’s Community Runs program, which gives small local running clubs, community organizers, and individuals who might not otherwise have an opportunity to run the Boston Marathon.
4. How long have you been in training for the Marathon, where have your training runs taken place, and with whom have you been training?
I began my training January 1. This winter was particularly bad for running, as January and February were much icier than the past few years – I would have rather run in some fluffy snow! Most of my training has taken place in and around East Boston, making use of the bike path that goes from LoPresti Presti Park up to Constitution Beach. I’ll often go out to run along the Charles River to get inspiration from all the other runners there as well. I mostly train on my own – I like using it as my “me” time.
5. What is your sports background (high school, college)?
I played Ultimate Frisbee all through college and after with the local (national championship-winning) club team, Boston Brute Squad. I unfortunately tore my ACL and had to pivot to running in straight lines instead, which lead me to distance running.
Joe Di Mauro
1. Is this your first run in the Boston Marathon?
Yes!
2. What inspired you to participate in the Marathon?
Running the Boston Marathon had always been on my bucket list when I was younger. When GreenRoots’ Executive Director Roseann Bongiovanni told me about the application to run for Dana Farber I was really excited by the possibility. I love the work Dana Farber does so the opportunity to run and raise money for their work means a lot to me.
3. Are you running to support a charity?
I’m running for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
4. How long have you been in training for the Marathon, where have your training runs taken place, and with whom have you been training for the Marathon?
I have been training since December 2024. My runs have been everywhere from Cape Cod to the actual marathon route – of which I’ve done 18 miles.
5. What is your sports background (high school, college)?
I played soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball.