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He’s running his 11th Boston Marathon for Boston Children’s Hospital
The 2026 Boston Marathon marks a decade of running for Jace Perkins, once a 1.6-pound NICU baby, now healthy and thriving.
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: Steven Iannacone
Age: 57
From: Hingham
I am running my 11th Boston Marathon all for Boston Children’s Hospital. I have had the unbelievable opportunity to run for Jace Perkins and 2026 will mark the 10th year I have been running for Jace through the Miles for Miracles program through Boston Children’s Hospital. Many have heard, it was a random night that I met Jace’s dad through a mutual friend and we talked about our kids, families and then I mentioned BCH and he told me all about Jace. On the way home that night I said I should run for Jace in the upcoming Boston Marathon. I wasn’t sure how his dad would feel but I asked anyway and Jamie Perkins was overjoyed and excited! It’s been a great relationship between our families since then. We have shared many stories, celebrated many milestones and talked thru some tough times and been there for each other.
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It’s hard to believe that Jace will be turning 12 on December 26th. He’s now standing a little over 4½ feet tall, and weighs in at 100 pounds. (A stark contrast to the 13-inch, 1.6 pound little warrior Jamie started with!) Hearing through Jamie’s stories back on all those years and the first 3½ months of his life in the 7North NICU at Boston Children’s Hospital, it’s incredible to think just how far they have come.
I know Jamie can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the entire team at Boston Children’s Hospital, particularly the 7-North NICU team and Dr. Benjamin Warf’s team of neurology specialists. Their unwavering dedication, coupled with countless hours of hard work and multiple surgeries, saved Jace’s life multiple times. Not only did they save his life, but he is now living a healthy, happy life and thriving far beyond our wildest expectations.
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