Why I’m Running: ‘Every step I take is for those who can’t’

Emily Brennan is running the 2025 Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Emily Brennan is running the 2025 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Emily Brennan)

March 13, 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: Emily Brennan
Age: 31
From: Melrose

On April 21, I will be running the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, a cause deeply personal to me. My marathon journey began when my close friend lost her father, Tom, to pancreatic cancer. Feeling helpless in how to support her family, I ran my first marathon in his honor. Since then, running has been my way of honoring those we’ve lost, standing with those still fighting, and supporting life-saving cancer research. This year, I am running in memory of Tom, whom we lost in 2024, and for my little cousin, Gavin, who received lifesaving care at Dana-Farber in 2020 and is now cancer-free.

Boston is one of the toughest marathons to get into, with many runners applying to multiple charities to secure a spot. But for me, there was never a question—I applied only to Dana-Farber, the only cause I wanted to run for. The meaning behind my miles fuels me; without it, I wouldn’t have the motivation, strength, or determination to take on this challenge. Marathon training isn’t easy. It means sacrificing sleep, social life, and family time to wake up before dawn, braving the cold and darkness to log miles. But every step I take is for those who can’t—and that makes every sacrifice worth it.

Through DFMC, I am raising funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber. This program drives groundbreaking discoveries, leading to more effective treatments and better outcomes for cancer patients worldwide. This marathon isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s about honoring those we’ve lost, celebrating survivors, and funding research that will change lives. The support I’ve received has been overwhelming, and I am beyond grateful, and I want to keep pushing forward to make the biggest impact possible.