(Photo Credit: NHL.com)

By: Evan Michael | Follow me on Twitter @Evan007onTV

Happy Labor Day, Bruins fans! While many of us are taking time off for Summer’s final holiday weekend, thousands of runners from across Greater Boston & beyond will take part in the inaugural “Run For Gratitude” to benefit the Martin Richard Foundation. “Founded in 2014, the foundation was formed by the parents of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed when two bombs exploded near the Boston Marathon finish line on April 15, 2013,” according to a press release.

Sponsored by TD Garden, the Boston Bruins Foundation (mentioned most recently on this blog for their historic partnership with the Special Olympics) and DMSE Sports, the first ever MR8K race will help raise awareness for, and highlight, the lifesaving and heroic work first responders and medical personnel play during times of tragedy. “That’s why the proceeds from this year’s MR8K will benefit all those who stand up for others when it would be easier to do nothing at all,” said Martin’s father Bill Richard during a press conference announcing the event back in May. “It is our way of saying thank you to them for what they did for us and do for others every day.”

(Photo Credit: Martin Richard Foundation)

While there are no exact confirmations on who from the B’s will be attending or participating in the Labor Day race (in the past players such as Brad Marchand, Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Tuukka Rask have all volunteered their time for first responder events), there will be one recognizable name and athlete there to share in the positive spirit: 2014 Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi, seen above greeting members from the Richard Family! He will be racing with more than 100 members of “Team MR8,” according to a news update from the Martin Richard Foundation — “The team hopes to raise $800,000 this year for the Foundation, which provides opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and lead through volunteerism and community engagement.”

Image result for boston bruins first responders(Photo Credit: Boston Herald)

And even though the “Run For Gratitude” is only in its first year, this certainly isn’t the fist time the Bruins have rallied around the city’s first responders. Since 2016, the team annually holds a First Responder Night at the TD Garden and for every one of the games, the round of applause and support showed to all the honorees in attendance raises a few Black N’ Gold banners even higher!

Speaking of that courageous Causeway clamor, one of the most memorable — and unforgettable — team moments came when Bruins players gave the jerseys off their backs to the Boston Marathon First Responders in 2013:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfpKtuEaRJg]

And since there’s no such thing as a “day off” for these valiant men and women, let’s give a big Bruins puck salute on Labor Day to all those whose labor keeps us safe, sound & secure. That’s the kind of gratitude worth running for every day!

IMG_8221(Photo Credit: Boston Bruins)