Jeff Bauman, Jake Gyllenhaal Chosen As Co-Captains Of Boston Medical Center's Marathon Team
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Medical Center announced Monday that Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman and actor Jake Gyllenhaal will be the honorary co-captains of the hospital's running team for the 120th Boston Marathon.
Bauman, who lost both legs in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, was treated for his severe injuries at Boston Medical Center. Gyllenhaal will portray Bauman in the film "Stronger," based on Bauman's memoir, which is set to begin shooting in Boston this spring.
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Team BMC, the hospital's running group, has been running the Boston Marathon for the past 13 years. This year, 87 people will run the marathon as part of the team.
Bauman and Gyllenhaal will join the team at it's annual Pasta Dinner on April 17, the day before the marathon. The event, which will also be emceed by former New England Patriot Jerod Mayo, serves to motivate the runners.
"It's a privilege to serve alongside Jeff as an honorary co-captain for Team BMC," said Gyllenhaal. "He is an extraordinary human. I've spent a lot of time in Boston over the years; so this is a real honor. I can already feel the excitement and pride around the upcoming marathon."
"I'm really honored to bring Jake to BMC," said Bauman. "I know that getting my story right is important to him, but it's also very important that he feels the impact 2013 had on everyone-the runners, the first responders and medical staff, the people cheering on the finish line, everyone. This is Boston's story, not just mine, and I can't think of a better way to share what "Boston Strong" means."
"BMC was my first stop after the bombings and where this new chapter of my life began. It is pretty surreal and exciting to be going back with a movie team behind me."
In the past, Team BMC has raised over $2.91 million for Boston Medical Center. This year, they will be raising money for a new campaign that includes the construction of a state-of-the-art emergency department at the hospital.
Actor Kevin Spacey was Team BMC's honorary captain in 2014, the year following the bombings.
The 120th Boston Marathon will take place on April 18, 2016.
