Hampton-Dumont Alumni Compete in Boston Marathon

Sisters Alexa Hoeltermann and Macala Donnelly qualify for prestigious race

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:46pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the energy and movement of the Boston Marathon.Two Hampton-Dumont alumni qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, showcasing their athletic prowess and dedication to their sport.Boston Today

Two alumni of Hampton-Dumont High School, sisters Alexa Hoeltermann and Macala Donnelly, have qualified to compete in the prestigious Boston Marathon on Monday. Hoeltermann, who began running recreationally nine years ago and has been training professionally for the last two and a half years, is aiming to run her fastest time and potentially qualify for the Chicago Marathon in 2027.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most renowned running events in the United States, drawing elite athletes from around the world. For these small-town alumni to qualify for such a prestigious race is a significant accomplishment that highlights their dedication and athletic prowess.

The details

Hoeltermann and Donnelly, who both graduated from Hampton-Dumont High School, have been training extensively for the Boston Marathon. Hoeltermann began running recreationally nine years ago and has been training professionally for the last two and a half years. She qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 3:19 in a previous race and has been following a rigorous training plan for the last 20 weeks, including speed work, tempo runs, and long runs. Her goal is to run her fastest time yet and potentially qualify for the Chicago Marathon in 2027, which would allow her and her sister to run that race together.

  • Hoeltermann began training for the Boston Marathon about 20 weeks ago.
  • The Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Alexa Hoeltermann

A Hampton-Dumont High School alumna who has qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 3:19 in a previous race. She has been training professionally for the last two and a half years.

Macala Donnelly

Alexa Hoeltermann's sister and a fellow Hampton-Dumont High School alumna who has also qualified for the Boston Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“It's so fun to see how you can go from point A to point B and just watch your body change from a commitment and a good plan and being dedicated to something. And so I think it's just been really, really rewarding.”

— Alexa Hoeltermann

“We always have, and I say we because Macala and I kind of function as one brain these days, just in attacking this race. But personally for me, you start off with like a plan A. And so I have a time specific goal. I am trying to run my fastest that I've run. And I think it's realistic, and just being smart to know I have to have some other plans in there as well, just depending on how your body feels.”

— Alexa Hoeltermann

What’s next

Hoeltermann and Donnelly will compete in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2026. If Hoeltermann is able to run under a 3:30 time, she will qualify to run the Chicago Marathon in 2027 with her sister.

The takeaway

This story highlights the impressive athletic accomplishments of two small-town high school alumni who have qualified to compete in one of the most prestigious running events in the United States. Their dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration for others in their community.