Rock 102 to Host Annual Mayflower Marathon to Benefit Open Pantry of Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Rock 102 (WAQY-FM) will host its annual Mayflower Marathon food drive to benefit Springfield’s Open Pantry next week, marking 32 consecutive years of the community tradition.

This year, the event returns to MGM Springfield for the three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Morning hosts Bax & Nagle will broadcast for 52 hours, encouraging listeners to donate non-perishable food items to support Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield. With demand for assistance continuing to rise (more than 50% of households in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties now face food insecurity), the need for donations has never been more urgent.

The Mayflower Marathon has long been fueled by extraordinary community generosity. Local residents and businesses, including the Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many others, have historically delivered overwhelming support. Rock 102 hopes to see that spirit continue in 2025.

This year’s lineup of scheduled guest interviews includes musician Gary Hoey; Mike Scully (West Springfield native and former executive producer of The Simpsons); comedians Tom Cotter, Bob Marley, Kerri Louise, Fitzy; and more.

The Mayflower Marathon kicks off at 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 and concludes at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Donations can be made at the collection site located by the South End Market at MGM Springfield or online at rock102.com.