Cheering squad, after party for Living Center marathoners

If running the Boston Marathon is too taxing on your tootsies, why not grab your old pom-poms and cheer on runners from the Boston Living Center's (BLC) marathon team instead? It's not as strenuous as hoofing up Heartbreak Hill, but you'll still work up enough of a sweat to enjoy the sweets at the BLC's post-marathon shindig, guilt-free. And you won't have wear one of those nutty tinfoil coats to the party.

The BLC, an official charity of this year's Boston Marathon, is currently recruiting folks to join BLC members on the cheering squad for its marathon team, Running for Life. The squad will be gathering on Marathon Monday (April 21) at 11:00 a.m. on the corner of Beacon and St. Mary's streets in Brookline - close to the Finish Line, where an encouraging word can mean the difference between a haggard runner completing the trek or collapsing at your feet. Just look for the BLC banner. Poms-poms, pre-written cheers and chants are welcome but not mandatory. You won't even need a top, since the BLC will be handing out Running for Life t-shirts. The only thing required of cheerleaders is a good night's sleep, and perhaps partaking of the traditional pre-marathon pasta dinner. "They should come prepared with a lot of energy," said Jaimie Peltzman, BLC's grants and communications coordinator.

After shouting yourself hoarse, you can wet your whistle with some tasty non-alcoholic beverages at the post-marathon celebration at the BLC's 29 Sthanhope Street location, where cheerleaders will mingle with runners and their friends, family and loved ones. "It's a real community celebration," said Peltzman. The fun starts at 2:00 p.m.

RSVP for the cheering squad to Julia Renalds at [email protected]. RSVP for the after-party to Marc Davino at [email protected].