Boston Marathon
“I’ll never forget that day and how my heart has ached for them ever since.”
Marissa LaRosa is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Marissa LaRosa)
February 21, 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: Marissa LaRosa
Age: 30
From: Canton
I’m running for those who lost their lives on April 15, 2013. I’ll never forget that day and how my heart has ached for them ever since. A day that holds so much pain also holds so much strength for others to want to honor them.
I’m also running for myself. I spent many years admiring everyone who has ever ran but could never fathom being able to do it myself. My coworker, Annie, told me she has ran it 24 times. Every time I get in my head I just think of her. She’s been an amazing coach and friend and helped my dream become a reality. April 20, 2026 will be a date that I will forever hold close to my heart. I’m so thankful for what this marathon has taught me both physically and mentally.
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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