In a little less than a month, Marius and Anca Dehelean’s oldest son, Lucas, will begin his freshman year of college at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“It is sort of the end of an era for us and for him,” Marius admitted.
Before he leaves home, the family, which includes twins Alex and Paul, 16, will enjoy a special moment as they run this year’s Falmouth Road Race together. “I’m so glad we can all do it as a family event,” said Marius. “Maybe it will be the beginning of a tradition for the five of us. While one part of his [Lucas] life ends – being at home, living in Mashpee with us – maybe we can turn this into a new tradition.”
Except for Marius, each has run the iconic race before.
This will mark his first time running it, and he’s doing so to raise funds and awareness for the Arts Foundation. Marius, who is a VP Senior Relationship Manager at TD, joined the Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors in December 2023.
It’s one of the reasons he has opted to use the 52nd running of the race as a vehicle to strengthen the nonprofit’s work. “For me, it’s about fundraising, brand enhancement, and recognition to help elevate the Arts Foundation in support of its mission,” he said.
For Marius, who moved to the Cape with his wife from Romania in 2003, it’s an opportunity to give back to this special place he now calls home. “We were married before we came here, but this is what really constitutes home for us,” he said. “It’s where we live, where we work, where we play, and where we had our kids and raised our three boys.”
A self-described “aspiring runner” who runs two to three competitive races a year, Marius is eagerly anticipating crossing the Falmouth Road Race off his list on August 18th. “I’ve witnessed it for years with my family – my kids and wife running it. The energy of the race is absolutely amazing,” he said. “I’m excited to run this with my family and run for the arts and be part of the Arts Foundation team.”
Click this link to support Marius in this year’s Falmouth Road Race. All donations will go to strengthen the arts, supporting artists and arts organizations across all of Cape Cod.