Meet Local Boston Marathon Runners On A Mission

Brookline MA

04 October, 2021

4:41 PM

Description

MASSACHUSETTS — A group of local Boston Marathon runners are sharing their stories about why they are participating in the 2021 race. From raising money for personal causes to beating their own personal record, these athletes are sure to inspire others as they get ready to run 26 miles on Oct. 11. Kristen Miquel of Newton will be running her first ever Boston Marathon with the Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary Team for her brother, Quentin, a lifelong patient who had to undergo six eye surgeries last year due to Juvenile Retinoschisis. Miquel and her family hope their Boston Marathon fundraiser will raise awareness and funds for research to find a cure and prevent further loss of vision for Quentin and others affected by retinal conditions. Kristen Miquel will be running her first Boston Marathon on Oct. 11. (Alexia Miquel)Scott Graham of Westford is celebrating his 35th consecutive time running the Boston Marathon, even running 106 laps at his local track when it was cancelled in April 2020 and again in September 2020. In April of this year when the race was postponed yet again, Graham honored his tradition of running 106 laps to get his race in. "I am so looking forward to running a real race on October 11th," he said. "If for some reason it is canceled, you know where you can find me." Brookline Boston Marathoner Jason Burke will be running his 26th consecutive race. he is pictured below with his kids at the starting line ahead of last year's virtual marathon. "Really looking forward to the fall version of the race and looking forward to seeing family and friends along the course," he said. Jason Burke with his two children ahead of the 2020 virtual Boston Marathon. (Jaime Burke) Learning Prep School in Newton, an educational institution that provides a comprehensive program for students with language-based learning disabilities, has two special needs educators and administrators running virtually this year to support the school. Principal Amy Davis and Chair of Transition Services Abby Heath will be running a route that begins and ends at the school, with students who have been recognized as "Good Citizens" officially starting the race and holding the tape at the finish. This will be Davis' seventh Boston Marathon and Heath's first. "While Amy and Abby have different personal goals for this marathon, they share passion and love for all things Learning Prep," said Executive Director Kurt Moellering in a news release. "Please join me in supporting Amy and Abby as they continue to serve as powerful role models and committed advocates for your current students and future students who will follow them in achieving their own amazing educational goals and accomplishments," he continued. Would you like to share your Boston Marathon story with Patch? Email me at [email protected].