Boston Marathon

For Rashida Santos, running Boston ‘is about being the thing I wanted to see’

"Amongst the 30,000+ people, finding everyday runners that looked like me — a person of color — was far too infrequent as we cheered on the runners."

By Alex Svenson

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.

Name: Rashida Santos
Age: 50
From: Boston

There are many reasons I am running as a charity runner (Team BMC for Boston Medical Center).

Running for a hospital that has done so much for our family is more than enough of a reason.

Running has helped me get on track with my health and manage my diabetes, which has been a great motivator for me as well.

However, if I am being honest, one of my biggest reasons is equity.

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As a Boston-born and bred resident, I have joyfully watched the marathon on TV and in person.

Amongst the 30,000+ people, finding everyday runners that looked like me — a person of color — was far too infrequent as we cheered on the runners.

It always made me wonder if people of color participated in the running community.

As I took up running, I realized there is a large and rich community of BIPOC runners who imbedded into the City of Boston.

So running from Hopkinton to Boylston Street is about being the thing I wanted to see.

Not an elite athlete running for first place, not the lifelong runners who are onto their next Boston unicorn and not the elite charity runner who can easily raise the charity requirements.

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Just an everyday person of color doing their best in the city that she loves.

I run because I too am Boston and represent the fabric of this city that is indeed Boston Strong.

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

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