WISEuv

This year's Covered Bridges Half Marathon was a rousing success on Sunday and we are in awe of our incredible team of runners. Training for and completing a half marathon is a remarkable achievement in itself. On top of that, our runners dedicated their time and energy to fundraising in support of our mission, demonstrating extraordinary commitment, generosity, and heart. We are inspired by each team member's determination and the impact they've made both on and off the course. Thank you to every member of Team WISE for your hard work, dedication, and support. We are grateful to have you as part of our community!

We are less than ONE week away from race day! For our final Marathon Monday, we are featuring not one, but TWO amazing members of Team WISE: Jill Schilp and Sawyer Blais. This will be their first time running the Covered Bridges Half Marathon, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on Team WISE!

We asked why they joined Team WISE and Jill shared: “Sawyer and I are running with Team WISE because we believe that the work that WISE does for anyone in the Upper Valley is beyond immeasurable. As someone who struggles with mental health and depression myself, I know that having a supportive surrounding environment is very important and being able to call or talk to anyone in a time of need can save someone's life.” Jill and Sawyer train together and make the miles go by with conversations about their days, future plans, and plenty of chit-chat. Sometimes, they say, just running side by side is relaxing and enjoyable. Sawyer also shared one of their favorite running games: “Trying to spot as many cats in house windows as possible!” And when it comes to pre-race rituals, Sawyer shared: “You must eat pasta the night before! No exceptions!” Sounds like a delicious ritual to us!

Check out https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/JillianSchilp and https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/SawyerBlais

We’re just a little over a month away from race day, and we’re excited to shout out another incredible member of Team WISE: Becky Wetterhahn! Becky has run the Covered Bridges Half Marathon so many times she’s lost count!

When asked, why she chose Team WISE, Becky said “The work WISE does in our community is invaluable and I will be forever grateful for the support they provide.” Becky has been running since her freshmen year of high school. Over the years, she’s run with Team WISE and other nonprofit teams, paced the race twice, and also ran as an individual. To make training fun Becky likes to take long runs with Upper Valley Running Club and her running buddies whenever she can. And what is she looking forward to most after crossing the finish line? “Snacks and sleep!”

We’ll make sure to have plenty of snacks waiting for you at the finish line! Check out Becky’s fundraising page at https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/BeckyWetterhahn

Welcome to another Marathon Monday! We are overjoyed that our entire Prevention and Education Program team (PEP Squad) is running in this year’s Covered Bridges Half Marathon. You’ve already met Emily and Fiona, now it’s time to meet the final member of the squad: Phoebe Lea Parrish!

Phoebe shared her reason for running on Team WISE: “Being on the prevention team at WISE I see every day how our programming and services are building a safer and more supportive community.” This will be Phoebe’s first race longer than a 5K and before signing up for the CBHM, running wasn’t her go-to form of movement. “You are much more likely to find me lifting weights at the CCBA or taking a yoga class. Since starting training, running has started to grow on me and is something I would like to continue after the race is over.” One thing that keeps her motivated? Exploring new routes: “Vermont and New Hampshire are so beautiful. It’s fun to change up the scenery each week and start noticing more and more signs that Spring is almost here!” And her go-to song? “Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen. The name speaks for itself. Timeless and inspiring.”

Phoebe, we think you were born to run for Team WISE! Check out Phoebe's fundraising page at https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/PhoebeParrish

We’re so honored that Dartmouth College’s Student & Presidential Committee on Sexual Assault (SPCSA) is hosting their 3rd annual 5K Run/1K Walk fundraiser in support of WISE!!

Baker Library Lawn, Hanover
Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 AM

Join us for a meaningful morning filled with community, food, and live music. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidewalks, everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!
To register: https://dartgo.org/spcsa5k26

Spring has sprung and it’s starting to get a lot easier for our Covered Bridges Half Marathon runners to train outside. For this week’s Marathon Monday, we’re excited to spotlight one of our amazing prevention educators, Fiona Greenough!

When asked about her training Fiona told us, “One of the ways I make training fun is by listening to Bad Bunny and dancing along while I run. I even do some fist pumps in the air and play air drums to the beat. It really helps with morale! I’m my own cheerleader in my head and pump myself up when it gets hard.”

We love that energy, Fiona, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! Check out Fiona’s fundraising page: https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/FionaGreenough

The countdown is on and we’re just over two months away from the 2026 Covered Bridges Half Marathon! For today’s Marathon Monday we’re excited to highlight an amazing runner and staff member, Emily Cousens Weir.

Emily has been running for 22 years! “I started running in 6th grade when I joined the middle school cross-country team and just loved the whole process of training and being part of a team. I ran track and xc on my high school and college teams and have trained for races a little bit on-and-off since then. I had my first baby, Austin, in December of 2024 and got back into running consistently last Summer. CBHM will be my first half marathon since having a baby!” When asked ‘Why Team WISE?’ Emily shared, “I work here! I’m part of the Prevention Team at WISE so I get to see first-hand how our services impact the community. It makes me so proud to work for such an incredible organization, I am so excited to rep WISE at CBHM this year.”

To make training fun Emily runs with friends whenever she can. She shared this fun fact, “Did you know that being side-by-side with someone eases our tendency to evaluate and monitor ourselves socially, which frees up cognitive space for language and storytelling so conversation flows more freely? Running with friends = amazing heart-to-hearts that make miles fly by.”

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the finish line Emily!! Check out Emily's fundraising page at https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/EmilyCousensWeir

It’s Marathon Monday! Today we’re highlighting a returning runner, Pepper Joseph running Covered Bridges Half Marathon!

This is Pepper’s second year running the CBHM with Team WISE! She shared with us, “I’m proud to be raising money for such an important organization providing critical advocacy and support to those in need. Safe and healthy love should be a right for everyone—and together, we must break cycles of abuse and create safe spaces for those impacted.” Pepper also shared: “running is something that grounds me and holds me. It helps me come into my body, move with hard things, or create space away from them. Running makes me feel free, strong, and confident, and it continues to be a vessel for growth.” Some of Pepper’s favorite places to run include Pine Park, the West Side Highway, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Boston Esplanade. “I’m so excited to be running my second half marathon for Team WISE and supporting their work to build safer, healthier futures for our community.”

We’re excited too Pepper!! Check out Pepper's fundraising page: https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/PepperJoseph