SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Rock102’s annual Mayflower Marathon kicked off Monday. The event has helped fight food insecurity for hundreds of families across the area for over three decades and this year’s comes as one of its founders and former morning host John O’Brien has died .

The marathon has grown over the years to bring food to local families for the holidays and beyond. What started nearly 32 years ago with filling just one small van has expanded to a three-day marathon leading up to Thanksgiving Day, with organizers hoping to fill several trucks with non-perishable donations over 52 hours.

Marathon continues founder’s legacy

The marathon was spearheaded by former longtime Rock102 host John O’Brien and, just two years later, current host Mike Baxendale joined the team and

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