This Hyde Park resident is running Boston and celebrating turning 50

"Running became a way for me to not only improve my physical health, but also my mental health."

March 4, 2025

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.

Brian Powers

Age: 50

Hyde Park, Mass.

I’m running to promote physical and mental health in my family and community and to celebrate turning 50!

I’m an elementary school counselor and lifelong resident of Boston. I grew up in Mission Hill and now live in Hyde Park with my wife of 20 years and our teenage son and daughter. Growing up, I didn’t know many runners, so it wasn’t something I ever envisioned for my life. I started running three years ago as a way to improve my health, particularly because I knew that my autistic son would need a lifetime of care. I had also seen a few examples of men in my family dying too young in their late 40s, including my father, grandfather, and closest cousin. When my cousin died suddenly at age 47, leaving behind 3 young children, it was a significant motivator for me to make better decisions about my own health in order to be around for my family for as long as possible.

Running became a way for me to not only improve my physical health, but also my mental health. I joined the Live Fit Army run group in Hyde Park and together we promote cardiovascular health in our community through organized runs multiple times a week. You can find me and the rest of the LFA run group training for the Boston Marathon and the 26.True Marathon in Hyde Park on Mondays and Wednesdays and in the Newton Hills on Saturdays. Come run with us!

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.