Boston Marathon
Stephanie McHugh is running the 2026 Boston Marathon for the New England Patriots Foundation.
Stephanie McHugh is running the 2026 Boston Marathon.
March 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM
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: Stephanie McHugh
Age: 42
From: Braintree
I am honored to be running the 2026 Boston Marathon as part of the Patriots Charitable Foundation team. This will be my third Boston Marathon and my fourth marathon overall.
Running has always been a huge part of my life. I may not have been fast, but crossing the finish line — and earning that bling — meant everything to me. I first fell in love with the sport while supporting a friend during her first Boston Marathon and running local 5Ks. Knowing I would never qualify on time alone, running for charities I believed in became my path forward.
I began running with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation to honor my uncle, retired Fire Chief Kenny McHugh, who lost his battle with cancer. From there, I traveled far and wide to run iconic races — until everything changed.
In 2023, just two months after my 40th birthday, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Chemo, medications, and surgeries made even walking difficult, but I refused to stop moving. My dear friend and running mentor, Susan Hurley, guided me through both cancer and recovery. After five months of chemo, three major surgeries, and overwhelming joint pain, I slowly returned to running through physical therapy, patience, and Susan’s unwavering belief in me.
In March 2025, while volunteering at a water station, I told Susan I was ready to run Boston again. She hugged me and promised she’d get me to the finish line.
Not long after, Susan passed away. I was devastated. But in my grief, I heard her words clearly: Life is a marathon — take it one mile, one step at a time.
So I run. For my friends. For Susan. For myself. And to prove that cancer does not get the final word.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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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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