Sign up for our Boston Marathon newsletter
Get Boston Marathon registration information, start times, live runner tracking, road closures, live updates from race day, special features, and more.
He’s running the 2026 Boston Marathon to fight addiction stigma
North Easton’s Kevin Hayden is racing with Learn to Cope, honoring loved ones lost and supporting families navigating recovery.
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: Kevin Hayden
Age: 47
From: North Easton
I’m running the Boston Marathon with Learn to Cope, a nonprofit that provides education, connection, and peer-led support to families impacted by addiction.
This run is for families, those in recovery, those still struggling, and for the many people who have been lost to addiction. It’s for the families and loved ones who carry grief and shame while searching for understanding. I’m running in memory of friends and loved ones who I’ve lost, and in honor of the families navigating addiction everyday.
Advertisement:
Addiction is complex and layered. It is not a moral failure. It is a public health issue influenced by mental health, trauma, access to care, and disconnection. Stigma and misunderstanding create more disconnect, and make it harder for people and families to reach out for help.
Running the Boston Marathon is an opportunity to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions. Learn to Cope reminds families that they are not alone, and that support, education, and connection can make a difference.
One foot in front of the other to break stigma, raise awareness, and support families impacted by addiction.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com