The Boston Marathon is more than a race—it’s a journey fueled by purpose, resilience, and community. As a locally owned brokerage within the Sotheby’s International Realty network, we at Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty have seen just how powerful that journey becomes when family is part of every mile.
This year, we’re proud to highlight three women from across our network who aren’t just cheering on the runners—they’re powering them forward. Whether offering a sounding board during the mental ups and downs of training, juggling family logistics, attending fundraisers, or waiting at the finish line with open arms, these women have shown up at every step.
Next week, we’ll introduce two of our own agents who are taking on all 26.2 miles themselves. But today, we turn the spotlight to the families—the quiet force behind every stride. Meet Lauren, Michelle, and Kristin: three voices, three families, and one shared belief—no one runs Boston alone.
Lauren Muehlethaler, Vice President of Affiliate Services, Sotheby’s International Realty
Wife of a first-time Boston qualifier
Michelle Pelletier, Chief Operating Officer, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Wife of a two-time charity runner
Kristin Francoeur – Real Estate Professional, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Mother and unofficial training partner of a first-time charity runner
When did your family member start talking about trying to run the Boston Marathon?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“My wife got a late start to her marathon journey, originally planning to run her first race at 40, but the pandemic had other plans. In early 2021, she registered for her first marathon in New Jersey, only to have it canceled. She ended up having a chance to run her first marathon in New York City later that same year. She’s been hooked ever since and started to chase the elusive Boston Marathon shortly thereafter.”
Michelle Pelletier
“My husband Aaron first mentioned the idea of running the Boston Marathon in 2023. I can’t recall the exact moment, but I remember casually saying something like, ‘Go for it if you’re up for the challenge!‘ At the time, it felt like just another conversation. But looking back, I realize those words may have meant more than I realized.”
Kristin Francoeur
“After every Boston Marathon, my daughter Caroline would always talk about wanting to run it one day. When an opportunity to join a charity team presented itself, she decided to go for it.”
How did they qualify, and what was that process like?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“She qualified at the Newport Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island in October 2022 with a time of 3:39—less than a minute under the standard. She applied for the 2023 race, hopeful that the COVID-era automatic qualifying times would still apply. But that grace period ended, and she didn’t get in. She then made it her mission to build a stronger buffer and ran the Chicago Marathon in fall 2023. Her time of 3:31 was nine minutes under the qualifying time. She officially qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 2024. All this to say: it was a journey—and a well-earned bib!”
Michelle Pelletier
“Unlike most runners who must hit a qualifying time, Aaron had the unique opportunity to apply for a lottery bib through his work as a Massachusetts State Trooper. It’s an incredible way for first responders to take part in such an iconic race, but for Aaron, it’s about more than just running—it’s about giving back. His team raises funds for Cope for Kids with Cancer, a charity dedicated to easing the financial burden on families so they can focus fully on helping their child fight and beat cancer. Knowing that every mile he runs makes a difference for these families has been a huge motivator. Once he got in, there was no turning back.”
Kristin Francoeur
“Caroline is running on behalf of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, with a minimum fundraising goal of $13,500.”
What does training look like for them?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“During peak training weeks, she runs as much as 60 miles. Training involves a lot of early, dark, cold morning runs. She runs six days a week and builds in one rest day. One of those runs is the long run, which can be up to 22 miles long, while the others vary between speed workouts, pace runs, hills, and more. We live in a community with a very active running club, and she does 90% of her runs with friends from the Soma Fox Running Club.
Michelle Pelletier
“Aaron runs a few times during the week, but it’s the long runs on the weekend that require a real commitment. He continues to build his mileage, pushing through fatigue, harsh weather, and whatever curveballs life throws his way. Training for the Boston Marathon is especially challenging, with peak training weeks landing in the coldest, snowiest months of the year, pushing him to battle both the elements and the miles. It’s important that he is careful and puts in the time to stretch after long runs to help prevent injury.”
Kristin Francoeur
“Her training schedule includes tempo and interval runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; long runs on Saturdays; and strength training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
How do you support them as they go through qualification and training?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“Supporting her is easy because she goes out of her way to plan her training around our family’s needs. Mostly, I serve as a sounding board for all kinds of running talk (which, as a runner myself, I enjoy): everything from the quality of cold-weather gear and efficacy of a new pair of running shoes to the merits of one nutritional gel over another (she’s a Maurten loyalist). There’s also the mental gymnastics of coordinating early morning runs and getting the kids ready for school.”
Michelle Pelletier
“Honestly, the biggest way I support Aaron is through time and listening. It’s not just him—our good friend and neighbor, Liz, is also running both the Boston and New York Marathons this year, so running is a constant topic of conversation in our house. How’s the weather? What’s this week’s workout? How did that last run feel? What’s your Garmin data showing? How many miles are left on those shoes? The list goes on.
Beyond being a sounding board, supporting Aaron also means adjusting our schedules. Long runs take up big chunks of the weekend, so more often than not, I’m home with our son and dog while Aaron puts in the miles. Thankfully, we’re lucky to have family nearby who help out and support us along the way.
Race day is another major part of the equation—making sure they have the right pre-race meal, checking that they’ve packed everything they need, and planning where we’ll be along the course to cheer them on.
Last year, I made sure we had signs ready to wave at multiple spots along the route—including at our Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty offices in Wellesley and Brookline—with our son, dog, and two nephews. Seeing their excitement, and knowing how much it means to Aaron, makes all the early mornings and schedule shifts worth it. There’s something special about being part of their journey, even from the sidelines.”
Kristin Francoeur
“I’ve been able to join her for all her fundraising events, and sometimes, I’ll do some of her runs with her.”
What’s it like watching them meet this goal?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“In a word: inspiring. I’m truly in awe of the mental toughness it takes to run a marathon and of the discipline and commitment it takes to train for one in all weather conditions, sometimes with very little rest or physical discomfort from all the training. It’s emotional and thrilling at the finish line, for sure!”
Michelle Pelletier
“The energy of the marathon day is unlike anything else, and I couldn’t be prouder of Aaron. After running Boston for the first time last year, he swore he’d never do another—but here we are, preparing for his second. It’s a testament to his determination (or maybe his stubbornness!), and watching him push himself to achieve this is something special.”
Kristin Francoeur
“It’s extremely gratifying to see my daughter take on this incredible physical and mental challenge on behalf of a cause as worthy as the Celtics Foundation.”
Have you ever considered running the Boston Marathon?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“I’ve completed many half marathons and hope to run a full marathon someday, though I haven’t considered Boston before. To me, Boston is the magnum opus of marathons. Running it would be a dream for any aspiring marathoner.”
Michelle Pelletier
“Absolutely not—running has never been my thing. While I’m beyond inspired by everyone who takes on this challenge, I’m happy to support from the sidelines. They have my full respect and admiration, but you won’t catch me at the starting line.”
Kristin Francoeur
“I have run a few half marathons, but the thought of doubling that mileage is too daunting for me personally.”
How are you planning to celebrate once the race is over?
Lauren Muehlethaler
“Sleeping in, and maybe a massage for us both!”
Michelle Pelletier
“The Massachusetts State Police hosts a great post-race lunch for the troopers, and I’m sure we’ll join in that tradition again this year. Then, we’ll celebrate the way we did last time—ordering dinner in with family and soaking in the accomplishment. No matter what happens on race day, crossing that finish line is something worth celebrating.”
Kristin Francoeur
“The Celtics Foundation is hosting an after-party for all the runners. We will also have a family celebration for Caroline.”
The Finish Line is Just the Beginning
Behind every Boston Marathon runner is a village—cheerleaders, planners, sounding boards, and steady hands who help carry them through months of training and into the roar of Boylston Street. For Lauren, Michelle, and Kristin, supporting their loved ones has meant early mornings, flexible schedules, and endless encouragement—but most of all, it has meant showing up, mile after mile.
As the countdown to race day begins, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share their stories. In a race where every step is hard-earned, one thing is clear: no one gets to the finish line alone.
