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Martin Richard Foundation Seeks Runners For 2015 Boston Marathon

A charity established in memory of the youngest victim killed in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings is now in the process of building its 2015 Boston Marathon team.

In exchange for a Boston Marathon bib, those applying to join the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation team commit to raising $7,500 in honor of Martin, who was just 8 when he was killed in the bombings. Runners who qualified for a bib but still wish to "Run for Martin" pledge to raise $2,000.

In its inaugural year, the foundation's group of 102 runners, known as Team MR8, raised $1.25 million.

Martin Richard (Bill Richard via AP)
Martin Richard (Bill Richard via AP)

Bill Richard, Martin's father, who co-founded the charity with his wife Denise, said in a statement that the achievements of the foundation's 2014 marathon team were "nothing short of incredible" and "exceeded our every expectation."

"There was such a powerful response to Martin’s message of ‘No more hurting people. Peace,' during last year’s Boston Marathon, and we are excited to build on that momentum by welcoming in this year’s group of runners who will come together as a team while also building a strong bond with our foundation," he added.

Bill, Denise and their daughter Jane were all injured in the explosions at the finish line in 2013. Jane lost a leg in the attack. Henry, their oldest son, was also there when the bombs went off.

"We wrote the application as a family, with the kids contributing several of the more unique questions," Denise Richards said in the statement. "We read and discuss every application as we work with our selection committee to assemble a team that is both passionate and compassionate."

The deadline to apply to join the team is Oct. 29. The roster will be announced during the first week of November.

"All of the proceeds raised by Team MR8 will be used to make investments in the Foundation’s three areas of focus: education, athletics and community, each of which were very important to our son," Bill Richard said.

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