This runner is advocating for suicide prevention
"Every step I take is for Josh and for those who feel unseen, unheard, and alone," said Kyle Anagnos.
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: Kyle Anagnos
Age: 27
City/State: New York, NY
I am running the 2025 Boston Marathon for Samaritans because suicide has deeply impacted my family. I grew up in rural Vermont, in a small town where mental health was rarely discussed and resources were scarce. In our first semester together at Holy Cross, I lost my cousin Josh Pellerin ’19, to suicide. Just days before, he had come out to me. At the time, I was closeted myself, and I often wonder how different things might have been if we had more support.
Josh wasn’t the first loss. Both of my uncles, my great-uncle, and multiple cousins have died by suicide. I’ve seen firsthand how mental health struggles ripple across generations when the right resources aren’t in place. That reality has shaped my lifelong commitment to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
Last year, I led a team in the 2024 Blackstone Gives Back Challenge, where we competed against nearly 400 participants and won second place in North America, securing $150,000 for Samaritans—funding that is now expanding critical services for LGBTQ+ youth and other high-risk groups.
Now, I am running to continue that momentum. Every step I take is for Josh and for those who feel unseen, unheard, and alone. If sharing my story helps even one person hold on, then this will all be worth it.
Please consider supporting my run—your donation directly funds life-saving crisis services for those at risk.
Thank you for helping me honor Josh and so many others.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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