Team MR8The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, an organization created to honor the memory of the eight year old Dorchester boy killed during the 2013 bombings near the finish of the Boston Marathon, is now accepting applications from charity runners who would like to join Team MR8 in next year's Boston Marathon.

“Through the generosity of the Boston Athletic Association, what the 102 members of the inaugural Team MR8 accomplished was nothing short of incredible, and it exceeded our every expectation,” said Bill Richard, Martin’s father, who co-founded the charity with his wife Denise, both of whom were injured in the bombing. “There was such a powerful response to Martin’s message of ‘No more hurting people. Peace” during last year’s Boston Marathon, and we are excited to build on that momentum by welcoming in this year’s group of runners who will come together as a team while also building a strong bond with our foundation.”

Individuals who wish to “Run for Martin” can apply online by visiting www.TeamMR8.org and clicking the “Run Boston” icon.

Applicants chosen to be members of Team MR8 are provided with training and fundraising support as well as uniforms and gear for both training and race day. Team MR8 members who are interested are also provided with opportunities to serve as ambassadors for the foundation with media and at events. The inaugural Team MR8 ended up being 102 runners strong, and raised more than $1.25 million for the Foundation.

“The application and selection process for Team MR8 is very important to us,” said Denise Richard, who oversees the entire process and stays engaged with the runners throughout. “We wrote the application as a family, with the kids contributing several of the more unique questions, and we read and discuss every application as we work with our selection committee to assemble a team that is both passionate and compassionate.”

Team members are asked to commit to raising $7,500 for the Foundation. Runners who are already registered, but wish to “Run for Martin” as part of Team MR8, are asked to commit to raising $2,000. The application deadline is October 29, 2014. Team MR8 will announce its roster of runners for the 2015 Boston Marathon the first week of November.

“All of the proceeds raised by Team MR8 will be used to make investments in the Foundation’s three areas of focus: education, athletics and community, each of which were very important to our son,” added Richard. “While our primary focus through the end of 2014 is on fundraising and networking, we have already begun making donations in the community, including providing the funding to establish Boston’s first Little League Challengers’ Division, which allows boys and girls with physical and cognitive challenges to enjoy the game of baseball; and also making a grant to Quincy, Mass.-based Adaptive Sports New England.”