Wellesley high school senior to run first Boston Marathon after years on Heartbreak Hill

After years of cheering runners in Wellesley, 18-year-old Emmie Laudano will run Boston to support the Tierney Learning Center.

Emmie Laudano is running the 2026 Boston Marathon.

April 3, 2026 | 7:49 AM

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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: Emmie Laudano
Age: 18
City: Wellesley

I’ve spent the last 15 years cheering at the halfway point of the Boston Marathon in Wellesley, and every year watching the runners has made me want to run it myself someday!

I am a high school senior who has participated in a school marathon training program called Dreamfar for the past three years. I’ve been running up Heartbreak Hill each Saturday to train. Now that I am 18, I am so excited that it’s finally my turn this April!

I will be at the starting line in Hopkinton, running for the Tierney Learning Center. I’ll be running 26.2 miles to raise critical funds, ensuring Boston’s kids have the educational tools and support they deserve. Every mile of the Boston Marathon will be for the kids at the Tierney Learning Center! Your generosity makes their success possible!

Tierney provides kids, teens, and adults with an amazing, safe, and welcoming community where they can access the resources they need to live their lives to the fullest, and your help will make a significant difference.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.