Amid the Olympic madness, there’s a world still trying to make a change. In a room full of athletes boasting of their athletic prowess, let’s shift our attention to Boston, the most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On April 15, the 128th leg of the Boston Marathon will fling open its gates. Hosted by the Boston Athletic Association, the story of its inception and the cause behind it will surely win millions of hearts.
Having seen the likes of the Olympic Marathon, John Graham emerged from the Boston Athletic Association to execute his brainchild. In a partnership with businessman Herbert H. Holton to finalize the route from Boston’s Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland to the Irvington Ova. Now, the marathon partnered with a non-profit organization which stirred someone emotionally.
Boston Marathon hopeful wants to run for Children’s Friend
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Susan Carney Lynch, the 57-year-old marathon runner will run at the 2024 Boston Marathon for her deep-rooted connection with Children’s Friend. In 1967, the now 57-year-old was adopted through the Children’s Friend, which gave her a forever home to last a lifetime. Born in Providence, Lynch is now looking to help Boston Marathon assist Children’s Friend to provide the best support to vulnerable children and families. She said, “On the journey from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, each mile I will run to raise funds for vulnerable children in the area”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to statistics, the children’s poverty rate in Massachusetts is 12.6%. Also, the Marathon represents “love, courage, resilience”, the qualities needed to make a change. To curb the growing poverty rate in the Boston capital, some life-changing gestures from the higher-ups never fail to impress. But, let’s go through some more reasons to run laid out by Lynch.
Why does running in this Marathon hold a greater significance?
“Pain giving way to strength and suffering forging bonds in community. In Boston, we start as individual runners and we leave as a community knit together by cheering crowds, orange slices……”, said Lynch while expressing the essence of the event. In a world where negativity is taking rounds now and then, such a warm gathering stays in history for long.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Also run in 2013 and 2014, Lynch solely cherishes the kids’ hi-5s and the uncontrollable waves of laughter. Children’s Friend has several services which include child welfare, Early Head Start, Head Start, and WIC. The Boston Marathon this year will not only have the likes of Lynch but also weave many success stories of athletes running with strong hearts.