This Bates College alum is running Boston ‘to stand against senseless violence’

Olivia Seline is running the 2025 Boston Marathon for the Lingzi Foundation.

Olivia Seline is running the 2025 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Seline)

March 27, 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. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Olivia Seline
Age: 23
From: Waltham

I’m running for the Lingzi Foundation in honor of Lu Lingzi. She was a graduate student at BU who passed in the Boston Marathon attack in 2013. The Foundation works with groups in Boston and the surrounding suburbs that strive for an impact that echoes her livelihood.

I’ve never run a race. I didn’t even run recreationally when I submitted my application. It wasn’t until moving to Waltham last June that I began to understand the true significance and impact of the marathon. I felt the draw to take action, specifically to Team Lingzi and their impact.

During my senior year at Bates, Lewiston became the site of the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history. As a student and rower, Bates showed me drive, acceptance, and the power of a good meal around the table with your community. No matter where someone comes from or how well you know them, you always look out for one another. The loss of innocent lives reminds us of the need to stand against senseless violence, protect our communities, and remain united in uncertain times.

Running for the Lingzi Foundation has become more than just training for a race. It’s brought incredible stories and athletes into my life and opened space to contribute ongoing positive ethos spurred by tragedy. To take on the challenge of fundraising my first race and training through the dark New England winter holds all the more meaning when I reflect on the effect of events that led me here.