Brockton School Surprises Beloved Gym Teacher Before Boston Marathon

Brian McCarthy, a physical education teacher at Angelo Elementary, is running his first Boston Marathon on Monday.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A beloved physical education teacher at an elementary school in Brockton, Massachusetts, received a surprise pep rally from students and staff as he prepared to run his first Boston Marathon on Monday. Brian McCarthy, who teaches at Angelo Elementary School, was celebrated by the school's 875 students for his dedication, humor, and high energy.

Why it matters

The pep rally highlights the strong community support and enthusiasm for McCarthy, who is known for his focus on the students. It also showcases how the school is rallying behind one of their own as he takes on the challenge of running the prestigious Boston Marathon.

The details

On Friday, the school's gym was filled with students and staff holding signs of encouragement for McCarthy, who hopes to finish the marathon in under three hours. Principal John Kelly praised McCarthy's dedication, saying that if he puts the same effort into the race as he does with the students, he'll be great. Although the pep rally was intended to be a surprise, McCarthy figured it out when he returned to school after buying water for his training and held the door for news crews. However, one surprise did succeed - his daughter, McKenna, came home from college to join the celebration.

  • The 130th running of the Boston Marathon is on April 20, 2026.
  • The pep rally for Brian McCarthy took place on Friday, April 17, 2026, just a few days before the marathon.

The players

Brian McCarthy

A physical education teacher at Angelo Elementary School in Brockton, Massachusetts, who is running his first Boston Marathon on Monday.

John Kelly

The principal of Angelo Elementary School, who praised McCarthy's dedication and believes he will do great in the marathon.

McKenna McCarthy

Brian McCarthy's daughter, who came home from college to surprise him at the pep rally.

Angelo Elementary School

An elementary school in Brockton, Massachusetts, with 875 students, who organized the pep rally to support their beloved gym teacher.

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What they’re saying

“Run like you're being chased by a gator! That's great. I love that!”

— Brian McCarthy, Physical Education Teacher

“If he puts the same effort he does into the kids here at school and he has put into his training into the race Monday, he'll be great.”

— John Kelly, Principal

“It was really cool to see, like, the whole school, like, get together and do that for him.”

— McKenna McCarthy, Daughter of Brian McCarthy

What’s next

Brian McCarthy will be running the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This story highlights the strong sense of community and support at Angelo Elementary School, where the students and staff have rallied behind their beloved gym teacher as he takes on the challenge of running his first Boston Marathon. It showcases the power of a school coming together to celebrate and encourage one of their own.