Boston Marathon Runner Raising Funds to Get Kids Into Golf

Erik Stauderman aims to complete the race in under 2:30:00 while supporting Youth on Course nonprofit.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso depicting a runner crossing the finish line of a marathon, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep blues, greens, and oranges.A runner's determined stride toward the finish line of the Boston Marathon is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the sport's physical and emotional intensity.Boston Today

After a burnout from his college golf career, Erik Stauderman turned to running as a hobby, and it has now become his passion. Stauderman will compete in the Boston Marathon on Monday with two goals: to finish the 26.2-mile race in under 2:30:00 and raise money for the nonprofit Youth on Course, which provides affordable access to golf for kids.

Why it matters

Stauderman's story highlights how sports can provide valuable life lessons, and his fundraising efforts aim to make the game of golf more accessible to underprivileged youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

The details

Stauderman has run 14 marathons so far, and the Boston Marathon will be his 15th. He plans to average 5:43 per mile to complete the race in under 2:30:00. The money he raises will go to Youth on Course, a nonprofit that partners with 58 golf courses to allow kids to play rounds for just $5.

  • Stauderman will compete in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2026.
  • Stauderman started running marathons after feeling burnt out from his college golf career.

The players

Erik Stauderman

A former college golfer who is now an avid marathon runner raising money for the Youth on Course nonprofit.

Youth on Course

A nonprofit organization that partners with 58 golf courses to provide affordable access to the sport for underprivileged youth.

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What they’re saying

“We have partner golf courses, I think there are 58 partner golf courses, where a kid can go play a round for 5 dollars.”

— Erik Stauderman

“You learn a lot of etiquette. There is no other game or sport where you call penalties on yourself, and that teaches you a lot right there.”

— Erik Stauderman

What’s next

If Stauderman completes the Boston Marathon in under 2:30:00, he will have achieved his primary goal for the race.

The takeaway

Stauderman's story demonstrates how sports can provide valuable life lessons, and his fundraising efforts aim to make the game of golf more accessible to underprivileged youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.