For 130 years, the Boston Marathon has been more than a race—it’s a tradition woven into the fabric of the city. It’s where personal milestones meet collective spirit, where heartbreak and triumph often share the same mile marker.
This year, we asked members of our team to reflect on their experiences running Boston. What they shared was more than a collection of race-day memories—it was a reminder of why this marathon continues to resonate so deeply. From first-time runners to elite competitors, from personal challenges to meaningful causes, each story captures a different side of what makes Boston unlike anywhere else.
Amanda Allen Nurse | 10-Time Boston Marathoner (2010– )
Amanda first ran for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She continued to support the organization in the years that followed, while also qualifying for—and eventually competing at—an elite level.
“I’ve run the Boston Marathon 10 times, starting in 2010. That first race was my first marathon, and I ran it as a charity runner for Dana-Farber (Team DFMC). I fell in love with both the sport and the race through that experience. Although I qualified for the following year, I continued running with DFMC for four more years to raise funds for cancer research.
Over time, I improved my finish from 3:26 in my first year to 2:42, eventually competing in the Women’s Elite Field as an Adidas-sponsored athlete. I’ve also raced as a member of the Boston Athletic Association and The Heartbreakers.
Two of my most memorable races were in 2017, when I ran while three months pregnant with my son, Riley, and in 2018—the ‘hurricane year’—when my family, including my six-month-old son, cheered me on at Mile 23. There’s nothing quite like Boston. The unpredictable weather and unparalleled crowd support set it apart from the 25 other marathons I’ve run.
While I haven’t raced Boston in a couple of years, I continue to coach athletes preparing for it and will be cheering from Mile 23 this year. I look forward to returning to the course in the future.”
Heather Reardon | 2012, 2013
Heather ran in support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“The spectators were incredible! They lined the course from start to finish and kept me going. In 2012, it was 90 degrees on race day, and people stood outside their homes with hoses for runners to cool off, which was so appreciated.
In 2013, I was stopped at mile 25 and never got to officially finish due to the Boston Marathon bombing. What I took away from that entire experience was how the city of Boston (and beyond) came together during such a tragic and frightening time. It revealed the strength and character of our city.”
Even though I think my marathon days are over, if I ever got the chance to do Boston again, I would take it in a heartbeat. There is no other marathon quite like it!”
Michelle Lenihan | 2017
Michelle ran as part of The Miles for Miracles Team, supporting Boston Children’s Hospital.
“I trained alongside an incredible group of runners, all supporting the same cause. Many of us had children that were either saved or cared for by Boston Children’s.
Our son was diagnosed in 2013 with a condition we had never heard of: 22q11 deletion syndrome, also known as velocardiofacial syndrome. He was three years old at the time. We had taken him to an ENT for fluid in his ears, and the doctor immediately sensed something more. He had experienced health issues prior, but nothing we understood to be life-altering until that day. After a blood test, we finally had answers.
My son had health issues prior, but nothing that we thought was life-altering until that day. I ran the marathon and raised more than $14,000 for the hospital as a way to say thank you. Without their care, we may never have fully understood what was going on, beyond knowing that our son was nonverbal.
I met an incredible group of people during that race and we supported each other every step of the way. It took us seven hours, and there were four of us who stayed together throughout. When one of us stopped, we all did. We were determined to finish together—or at the very least, turn onto Boylston as a group.”
“I’m not a runner… and I can confidently say I won’t be doing that again.”
Michelle Oates | 2019
Michelle ran as a member of Sole Sisters Running Club, a women’s running group based in Wilmington.
“I went out too fast and paid for it by the time I reached the Newton hills—a rookie mistake. Every step hurt, and for the last 10 miles, I kept telling myself I was done with marathons.
But as I approached the finish, it was magical. Taking that famous left onto Boylston, the energy of the crowd was unbelievable. In that moment, all the pain felt worth it. I’ll never forget how amazing it felt.
Running Boston was a dream come true. No other race carries the same history and prestige, and it felt like a such a privilege to be part of it. If I’m lucky enough to run it again, I’ll focus less on my speed and more on soaking it all in.”
Ashley Perkins | 2019
Ashley in support of the Esplanade Association, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing and preserving the Charles River Esplanade.
“This was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I never thought I’d be able to run that far, and proving to myself that I could—while deepening my connection to Boston—meant so much. I’d consider doing it again someday, but it’s a big-time commitment, especially during the spring market, so it might be a few years before take it on again.”
Meghan Sullivan | 2022
Meghan ran in support of Journey Forward, a Canton-based nonprofit providing exercise-based rehabilitation for individuals living with paralysis.
“I went to Boston College, so running the marathon was always on my bucket list, and I’ll never forget the feeling of passing by campus. Having friends cheering me on throughout the course made it even more special.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, but after training through a Boston winter, I started overheating by mile five. Focusing on the crowds helped carry me through.
Before signing up, I had never even run a 5K. I was amazed by how much the body can adapt over the training process. Marathon day is always inspiring to watch, but being part of it—running alongside so many driven individuals, most supporting causes close to their hearts—is indescribable.
What makes Boston especially unique is the barrier to entry. Many runners aren’t traditional ‘runners,’ but are there to honor someone or something meaningful. As for whether I’d do it again—right now, I’d say absolutely not. But I also know better than to say never. If the right cause came along, I might just change my mind.”
Katherine Tolman | 2023
Katherine ran in support of Mass General Hospital Cancer Center.
“What stands out most is the energy of Boston. The crowds line the entire course, giving you the push you need to keep going. It was an incredibly meaningful experience, especially knowing I was running for a cause close to my heart. I would absolutely do it again.”
Chris Hiller | 2025
Chris ran in support of UMass Memorial Health Deployable Medical Team, one of only two disaster medical teams in Massachusetts.
“Looking back, there’s so much that stands out. I remember the early morning jitters, trying to stay calm and focused on the long day ahead. Much of the middle miles have blurred together, but I distinctly remember seeing the Citgo sign for the first time and thinking, “I’m so close”, only to realize how far away it actually was!
The start and the finish will always stay with me. It’s hard to put into words—the people, the energy, the encouragement. It’s one of those rare moments where nothing else matters. No matter who you are, where you come from, or how fast you run, the entire city is cheering for you.
I took away a lot from the experience, but one lesson stands out: big things don’t happen overnight. Months of training, planning, and preparation led to that day. I remember being in the middle of it all, wondering, What am I doing? But crossing the finish line, it all came together. My hard work and dedication had paid off, which felt very rewarding.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! I’m having some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) watching others run this year, but after such a brutal winter, I know the training would have been a very different experience.”
A Different Kind of Strength
The Boston Marathon is defined not only by those who run it, but by the many lives shaped by it.
In 2013, the race was forever changed by the Boston Marathon bombing—an event that impacted hundreds of people and left a lasting mark on the city. Among them was one of our advisors, Jacqui Webb, and her husband, Paul Norden, who were both severely injured at the finish line.
“My husband, Paul, and I suffered substantial injuries, including shrapnel wounds, second and third-degree burns, and the loss of his right leg above the knee. What began as one of the most painful moments of our lives ultimately became the catalyst for something much bigger. In the years since, we’ve focused on turning that tragedy into something meaningful—grounded in resilience, community, and giving back.
In 2022, we founded The Webb Norden Foundation to create a lasting legacy for our daughters and support children and young adults navigating trauma and recovery. It’s allowed us to support many people in New England—from patients at Boston Children’s Hospital to young people who have experienced limb loss.
Since 2023, having a team run the marathon on behalf of the foundation has been incredibly special. The marathon holds a very emotional place in our hearts—it represents both where our story changed forever and how far we’ve come. Seeing our runners show up with such purpose is a powerful reminder of the strength of this community and the good that can come from even the darkest moments. “
Carrying It Forward
From personal bests to first finishes, from moments of joy to unimaginable challenges, the Boston Marathon continues to bring people together in a way few events can.
More than 130 years later, it’s still about more than the race—it’s about the stories, the resilience, and the community that carry it forward.