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For her 12th Boston Marathon, this runner honors the legacy of a friend
Erin McVeigh is running for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their care of her loved ones.
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: Erin McVeigh
Age: 46 (47 on Marathon Monday, 4 days after April 16 birthday)
City: Boston
The 2026 Boston Marathon marks my 25th marathon (12th Boston, 11th consecutive).
While I have a qualifying time for this year of 3:19, and I’ll compete as part of the B.A.A. Running Club and women’s masters team, I can think of no better motivation than those who are, or have, or will navigate cancer, so I’m running for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge an own race entry.
Like so many, my why is personal: I honor the memory and legacy of my friend, Luisa Zauli, who as you will read we — and the world made better by her — lost too soon. Likewise, I give thanks for the expert care received by my mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law, who all received care at Dana-Farber, an organization I’ve been privileged to work for since 2011.
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Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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