BRENDAN O’CONNELL

Brendan is running his second consecutive Boston Marathon in 2025. After years as a spectator, cheerleader, and non-runner, Brendan ran his first-ever marathon in 2024. He is excited to embrace the challenge of another marathon, with the support of his family, his friends, his students (who know him as Monsieur O'Connell) and colleagues, and all the incredible supporters of The Timothy O'Connell Foundation. He is especially thrilled to be part of the 2025 Boston Marathon Tim's Team runners - a group that includes his mom, his brothers Matt and Chris, his former teacher and colleague/mentor Claire Picard, and Brandon Murphy - and to run in memory of his younger brother, Tim.

JOANNE O’CONNELL

Joanne O’Connell is running the Boston Marathon this year to raise money for the Foundation! It is her 12th marathon. Running always brings her closer to Timmy, who continues to inspire her with every step she takes.

MATT O’CONNELL

Matt is thrilled and surprised to be running his first marathon! After seeing Joanne run for Tim so many times growing up, and seeing Brendan join her last year, Matt agreed to put in for a number to run with mom, but only if Brendan and Chris were willing to do the same - and here we are! Matt has never been a long distance runner, but is confident he can get from Hopkinton to Boston on foot this one time. He is excited for the opportunity to celebrate Tim’s memory in this way, and looks forward to raising money for all the worthy causes that the Foundation supports.

CHRIS O’CONNELL

Chris O'Connell is running the Boston Marathon as a member of Tim's Team in what is his introduction to distance running. After 4 years as a collegiate rower, Chris is getting off the water and hitting the road in memory of his older brother, Tim. Having grown up watching the marathon every year, including in support of his mother Joanne and all the other Tim's Team runners, he is ready to take on the course himself to support the Timothy O'Connell Foundation.

CLAIRE PICARD

Our dear friend Claire Picard is running the marathon again in support of the Foundation.  Claire “is honored to run with Tim’s family!” and calls it “the opportunity of a lifetime!”  All the O’Connell brothers—Tim, Brendan, Matt and Chris-- were taught by Madame Picard as 3rd graders, and it is truly special for all of us that “we will all be on the marathon's starting line together!”  Claire credits Tim and his family with her becoming a runner: “Tim’s memory first motivated me to lace up my running shoes several years ago. Tim’s courage, positive outlook, and love for life will inspire me throughout the training miles and marathon run. On Monday, April 21st I’ll experience the joy of running with my dear friend and coach Joanne, along with my students and friends Brendan, Matthew, and Christopher. With these four courageous and resilient O’Connells and your support, we will reach the finish line! Go Tim’s Team!”

BRANDON MURPHY

Brandon Murphy has had deep roots with the Boston Marathon, cheering for his mom over the course of her 24 marathons. He is an avid philanthropist and serial charity fundraiser who is incredibly proud to be part of something that is far bigger than himself. This will be Brandon’s first marathon running along side with O’Connell family and fulfilling a life long dream of running alongside his mom! The Timothy O’Connell Foundation has hit home with this Bellingham native and the challenge of a 26.2 mile run feeds Brandon's internal drive to help those just like Timmy and their families, one step at a time!