Running For A Cause

Running Race Events ~ Join Us For A Cause

Meet The Board

Commitment to our community

Our board members are a dedicated group of individuals who care deeply for our community and are committed to community support. Meet the exceptional people behind Running For A Cause and learn about their non-profit leadership.

Jessica Blais -President

Jessica, as the president and co-founder of Running For A Cause, is a NASM-certified personal trainer, dental assistant, and entrepreneur. With a lifelong passion for outdoor adventuring and a dedication to health and community, Jessica leverages her entrepreneurial spirit to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where fitness, outreach, well-being, and the belief that every step brings us closer together.

Jacquelyn O'Connor -Secretary

Jacquelyn is a founding board member of Running for a Cause with a strong commitment to community service. She has previously served on the boards of her local library and the Friends of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, and brings over 20 years of experience as a social worker, giving her valuable insight into the needs of the community. An active hiker and walker who discovered running in 2024, Jacquelyn quickly embraced the sport and completed 12 races in 2025. She is passionate about combining her professional background and new love of running to help advance the mission of Running for a Cause and support meaningful causes within the community.

Leanne Bennett

Leanne started running in 2020, but her passion truly ignited in 2022 after a former teacher invited her to a running club. Since then, she’s tackled distances from one-mile races to ultramarathons, and she loves both road and trail adventures. Leanne co-leads the elementary school running club and coaches track and cross-country at the high school, all while working as a special education paraprofessional. Outside of running, she loves beach days, paddle boarding, and camping with her family. As a founding board member of Running For A Cause, Leanne is dedicated to uniting people through running and giving back to the community.

Bobby Griffis

Bobby is a dedicated runner and active leader in the Monadnock running community. He has built strong connections through Wapack Ridge Runners, Monadnock Regional Milers, and Valhalla Running Club. As a board member of Running For A Cause, Bobby brings his passion for activity and community engagement to the forefront. He is committed to giving back by leveraging his love for running to support others and fostering a welcoming, connected local community.

Renee O'Shea

Renee O’Shea is a founding board member of Running for a Cause. She works in office operations at Elevation Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab and owns Birch Hollow Farm. Renee holds a Master’s in Community and Social Psychology and is the head coach for cross country and track at Mascenic Regional High School. Her race logistics expertise helps power the organization’s fundraising events. In her free time, she loves running, gardening, and hiking New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers with her rescue dogs.

Kevin O'Connor

Kevin is a founding board member of Running for a Cause. After being challenged by his daughter in 2023, he began running and quickly progressed from short neighborhood runs to ultramarathons. In May 2024, he completed the TARC Wapack and Back 43-miler and has since run numerous trail and road races in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Professionally, Kevin is a machinist with over 20 years of experience, including five years as a shop manager. He is passionate about both running and serving his community.

Keith Bennett

Keith, a founding board member of Running For A Cause, discovered his passion for trail and mountain running just two years ago. Since then, he has completed multiple ultramarathons, including 30, 36, and 46 miles, and he has run the full Wapack Trail. A propane service technician by trade, Keith values time outdoors with his wife and two children. He believes deeply in running’s power to transform lives and hopes to inspire others in the community, knowing that one life changed makes it all worthwhile.

Audrey Griffis

Audrey is a dedicated mother, teacher, and valued contributor to the Monadnock community. With a strong background in education and a passion for service, she works diligently behind the scenes to uplift programs in the region. As a founding board member of Running For A Cause, Audrey brings a thoughtful commitment to ensuring that even the most overlooked individuals receive the support they need. You’ll often see her at events, cheering on runners and helping drive the mission forward.

Timothy Blais

Timothy, co-founder of Running For A Cause, is an outdoor enthusiast who began his endurance athletic journey with cycling. As he embraced a variety of races, his passion for running flourished. He is also founder of Wapack Ridge Runners, a club dedicated to bringing runners together in the Monadnock region. Timothy is committed to building a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can find their place in the world of running.