Boston Marathon
Makayla Aboujaoude-Quirk is running the 2026 Boston Marathon.
Makayla Aboujaoude-Quirk is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Makayla Aboujaoude-Quirk)
March 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM
1 minute to read
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
Name: Makayla Aboujaoude-Quirk
Age: 25
From: Boston
I am running the Boston Marathon this year with Team Eye and Ear to support Mass Eye and Ear.
I grew up in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, I have lived in Boston my whole life, and I now teach in Boston Public Schools. It has always been my dream to run the marathon.
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I am running for Mass Eye and Ear because I have been a patient there for almost 10 years. My doctor there was the only doctor to recognize my two eye conditions which are now under control with regular appointments.
Mass Eye and Ear is a leader in research for conditions in the eyes, ears, nose and throat, and also has the only 24-hour emergency department in Mass. for specialized eye, neck, ear, nose, and throat trauma. I am so excited to run my first marathon in my hometown and to fundraise for such an amazing hospital.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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Are you running the 2026 Boston Marathon? Share your story with us.
Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.
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