Steven Farrell and Todd RobinsonSteven Farrell and Todd Robinson like to do things together, and this year they have lined up a couple of dual events – running in the Boston Marathon next month and marrying in September.

But first things first. They are going to make the 26-mile, 385-yard run from Hopkinton to Boston on April 17 as members of the non-profit Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership’s (MBHP) marathon team. In preparation, the Dorchester duo have been training with long runs around Dorchester Bay, the JFK Library, and Castle Island, logging up to 18 miles in 20-degree weather and on treadmills when snow and ice make outdoor exercise treacherous.

The 44-year-old Farrell, the director of communications for the Metropolitan Partnership, and Robinson, 41, an MIT employee, say they have continually been inspired by the programs MBHP provides to address homelessness and assist individuals and families in finding and retaining affordable housing.

“Steve and I have been together for four years and he’s been working at MBHP for the majority of that time,” said Robinson. “I know the type of work that they do and I’ve gotten to know the people who have been working there. It’s an inspirational program, I’ve been at the events that the people who have been helped by the program speak at and it’s emotional. My heart’s in it.”

Added Farrell: “Everyone we’ve met in Dorchester appreciates the need for affordable housing and many of them already knew about MBHP and wanted to support the work they’re doing and the 25,000 families we provide services to.”

This will be Farrell’s second marathon and Robinson’s first. Each has set a personal fundraising goal at $6,000, and each has easily exceeded that amount, with Farrell collecting more than $9,000 and Robinson raised just over $6,500.

To donate to the couple’s fund, and learn more about MBHP’s 2017 team, visit their fundraising pages:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MBHPBoston2017/fundraiser/stevendfarrell and
https://www.crowdrise.com/MBHPBoston2017/fundraiser/toddrobinson1.