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How a Boston Marathon runner finds purpose in mentoring and miles
Victoria Walker is running the 2026 Boston Marathon for Minds Matter Boston.
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: Victoria Walker
Age: 31
From: Brighton
Two years ago, in the months leading up to my 29th birthday, I felt lonely, unmotivated, and disconnected in a city I loved. I was building a life in Boston, but something essential was missing. I knew I couldn’t keep moving through my days feeling that way, so I began searching for what I lacked most: community.
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That search led me to two unexpected places – mentoring and running – both of which have transformed my life in ways I never imagined.
As a mentor with Minds Matter Boston (MMB), I see firsthand how impactful community is on the two 16-year-olds I work with. MMB gives high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds a place to learn and see all the potential that lies ahead of them. Our Saturday sessions provide them with the resources, mentorship, and community they deserve to find success in the college application process and beyond. Watching my mentees grow in confidence and ambition is one of the greatest privileges as their mentor.
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When I started running, I found another kind of community. People who will cheer you on rain or shine, friends who will go on long runs with you in the dreary Boston winter, and a space to challenge my body and mind. Running has given me structure, purpose, and a deeper connection to this city.
Running for MMB in the 2026 Boston Marathon brings these two pillars of my life together. Knowing that the money I’m raising will support my mentees on their path to college is what keeps me going when I want to give up. When I cross the finish line, I won’t be running alone – I’ll be carrying my mentees, my running community, and the old version of myself who once felt lost, but now has a beautiful community around her.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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