After fulfilling a life-long dream by completing the Boston Marathon last year, local chiropractor Ryan Metivier plans to run in the event again this year, this time to raise funds to help the Mainers affected by the 2013 Marathon bombing.

Qualifying to run in the Boston Marathon was one of local chiropractor Ryan Metivier’s life-long goals. When he crossed the finish line in 2013, he thought it was the icing on the cake.

“With the grueling winter training regimen, my busy schedule, and those long, cold Sunday morning runs, I never thought I would be motivated to run it again,” he said.

All of that changed with the bombing that marred the 2013 event. In the aftermath of the attack, he felt compelled to be a part of this year’s Marathon as well. He has decided to dedicate this year’s effort to raising funds to benefit the Mainers affected by the tragedy.

“I feel like I’m paying tribute to those who were struck down last year,” he said. “It’s like not running would somehow mean that the ‘bad guys’ won. I want to show people what this race really means.”

While training for the marathon this winter, Metivier has thought about how he could turn the long, tiring training process into a friendly competition. Inspired by the 2013 world champion Boston Red Sox, he is challenging members of the community to join him in growing out their beards Red Sox-style and “using the savings from those razor blades to team up and donate money” to benefit local Marathon victims.

“I know my patients will probably give me a lot of grief for the crazy beard, but I feel it’s the least I can do for such an important cause,” he said. “So much gets forgotten about as time passes, but the victims of these tragic events have medical expenses and disabilities that can last a life-time. I hope I can at least help out a little.”

In that spirit, Dr. Metivier and Auburn Chiropractic will provide a complimentary massage on one of their state-of-the-art massage chairs for any donation of $10 or greater to the cause. This gesture has granted them a lot of internet attention, published on sites like http://www.perthchirocentre.com.au/ the event is getting loads of support. To make a donation, call 782-2600, or stop by their office at 21 Millett Drive in Auburn during business hours and stay for a nice, relaxing chair massage.