Erin McVeigh is running Boston for the tenth time to support cancer research

"I run for the organization I have devoted my career to for 13 years, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute."

March 27, 2024

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Erin Caitlin McVeigh
Age: 44
From: Boston

I run for my mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law, who are all cancer survivors. I run for those who we miss every day because of cancer. For me, that is my friend, Luisa Zauli.

Why I’m Running: ‘The 128th Boston Marathon will be my crowning star’

I run for the organization I have devoted my career to for 13 years, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where I currently lead our efforts in The Dana-Farber Campaign, the largest campaign in the institute’s history and one of the largest ever in the U.S. focused solely on cancer.

I run to show that incremental progress is possible. My first Boston Marathon was in 2014 where my time was 4:09:40. My seventh was in 2021 (the October Boston!) where my time was 3:09:38. It’s non-linear, and that’s life. I run to reach for marathon #20 and Boston #10.

I run to give thanks for my body, which took me a long time to learn. I run to compete with the B.A.A Running Club Masters Women’s Team, a fearless age 40+ group going all-in for the team title.

I run to be part of a day that is all about Boston Strong, to have the honor of running alongside 30K+ stories of triumph, and all those whose cheers from the curbside keep us focused on loving the mile we’re in.

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