Losing family to cancer inspired this 18-year-old to run Boston

"In losing both my grandmother, great aunt and other big supporters in my life to cancer in recent years, it makes this adventure even more special."

Lucie Lloyd-Farber.

March 5, 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.

Name: Lucie Lloyd-Farber
Age: 18
From: Milton

My name is Lucie Lloyd-Farber and I am running the Boston Marathon this spring for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I’m 18 years old and a senior at Milton High School in Milton Massachusetts.

It has always been a lifelong dream and goal of mine to run a marathon. I’ve grown up watching the Boston Marathon each year and I’ve participated in local running events since I was in second grade. It was always so inspiring to see the runners and I only dreamed of running a marathon when I got older. After running my first half marathon last spring, I decided that we shouldn’t have to wait to complete bucket list items and challenges. I’ve grown up running and it has always been a grounding activity for me where I can push the boundaries physically and mentally. Running for me is just as much of an individual sport as it is the community that it brings, especially in training for a marathon. I’ve met so many driven people and gotten to hear so many inspiring stories that add purpose for each step of my runs. I am thrilled to be able to run not only as one of the youngest runners but with the opportunity to raise money for cancer research.

In losing both my grandmother, great aunt and other big supporters in my life to cancer in recent years, it makes this adventure even more special as I have the opportunity to run in their honor. On marathon day, the names of those that have given purpose to my journey through their experience with cancer will be written on the heel of my sneakers, reminding me what every step is worth.

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