Dorchester resident Amy French, 24, will run the Boston Marathon in April as a member of the Playworks New England team. French works in the organization’s development department.

“When kids have opportunities for healthy and inclusive play at school, everyone benefits,” says French. “Students learn valuable skills, like teamwork and respect, transitions from recess back to the classroom are more efficient, and the school becomes a more fun and inviting place to be.”

Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and after-school programs to integrate games into recess to create a place where every kid on the playground can feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

A former college athlete, this is the first marathon for French, who grew up in New Jersey. She played on the women’s soccer team at Washington University in St. Louis.

“I love the Playworks mission because it’s so simple, yet so effective,” says French. “Our programs make the school day more fun for kids, while making a huge impact on their physical, social and emotional development.

French is one of six Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement for Playworks New England. In December, she hosted a birthday fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for her personal fundraising campaign. On Thursday, March 1, the team will host a fundraising happy hour at Harpoon Brewery from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 per person.

All proceeds will directly support the Playworks New England Boston Marathon team. “I am really inspired by the support I have received from my network through this campaign,” says French. “People are generally more willing to give when you’re putting in the work, and training for a marathon is certainly a lot of work. A marathon is a huge commitment as is a fundraising goal of $8,500, but the pay-offs in the end make it worth it. And, I’ve discovered a new love for long-distance running in the process!”

For more information about the Playworks New England Boston Marathon team or to support Amy French, visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/amyfrench26.