Gus and Jack: The Unstoppable Father-Son Duo Training for the 2025 Boston Marathon
Father-son duo Gus and Jack Gerluskis have always had one thing in common: a deep love for athletics. They played similar sports growing up and have fond memories of Gus coaching Jack’s football teams. Their love of sports helps nurture a supportive father-son dynamic, but playing together and being on the same team never seemed like a possibility—until now.
This year, Gus and Jack are training together as part of the MetroWest YMCA’s 2025 Boston Marathon Team. They were inspired by Jack’s fiancée, Haley, who ran the marathon in 2022 alongside her twin sister, Danielle. While the sisters may have provided a gentle nudge or two, their positive experience with the MetroWest Y team and the way they embraced the challenge of running a marathon left a lasting impression. For Gus, this journey also marks the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream that he thought had passed him by.
Training for Heartbreak Hill and the Finish Line
While Gus and Jack are no strangers to sports and athletics, running a marathon is a different animal that’s been challenging yet rewarding.
Mindset is everything, Gus has learned, and it’s important to take things moment by moment: “The program is designed to build gradually,” he explains. “You have to avoid thinking too far down the road and focus on what you have to do today.”
Being surrounded by a supportive, uplifting group has also been a huge motivator for Gus and Jack throughout the training process. Every Saturday morning, they’ve enjoyed bonding with other runners in the Marathon Coalition when they all hit the pavement together.
“It’s pushed me to go faster and push myself even further,” reflects Jack. “That’s been surprising because I found out I’m capable of doing more than I thought I could, and being able to have the group around you makes it possible.”
Despite the challenge of training for a marathon, Jack doesn’t hold back his admiration for Gus: “Every time he gets out there for one of those runs and finishes, I can’t help but smile. It’s tough, but to see how hard he works when he wants to get something done is inspiring. He doesn’t make excuses.”
Full Circle: A Chance to Give Back
Gus and Jack have been connected to the MetroWest YMCA for many years. Recently retired, Gus served as a Board member in the late 90s and then became the Y’s financial advisor for 20 years. He gained a front row seat to the Y’s ability to serve the local community and help all individuals—from children and families to seniors.
For Jack, his experience with the Y began at a young age when he learned how to swim and play with others on a team through youth sports like soccer. He also spent a summer as a counselor at Y STEAM Camp, seizing the opportunity to inspire young campers in the same way his own teachers inspired him by making learning fun and engaging.
"The YMCA taught me the importance of working with others, developing new skills, and setting goals,” Jack shares. “This foundation fueled and enabled me to pursue a dream of being a college athlete.”
Gus and Jack have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Y can have on people’s lives. Now, they’re eager to give back by fundraising through their participation in the Boston Marathon, helping to open doors and create opportunities for others. Their efforts will support the Annual Campaign, which makes a wide range of offerings—including camp, nutrition education, early learning, water safety, and more—accessible to everyone.
“The YMCA allows everyone to be on an equal playing field and doesn’t leave any kid behind,” Jack says of his desire to give back. “That’s something I’m proud to support because I believe that every student should be able to have these opportunities. Without the Y, that might not be possible.”
Finishing a marathon is no small feat, but Gus and Jack are ready to give it their all. Their journey and their commitment to raising critical funds for the Y are powerful reminders that the true spirit of the Boston Marathon isn’t just about crossing the finish line, but about the strength we find in ourselves and the support from the people around us.
