Why I’m Running: ‘This marathon is a symbolic journey’
Anja Johnson's work with emergency medicine inspired her to run Boston for Massachusetts General Hospital.
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: Anja Johnson
Age: 24
From: Boston
I never thought I’d be capable of running a marathon. My high school track and field background was in the 55 meter sprint, a mere 7 second race. However, this laid the foundation for my love of cardio and when the pandemic hit, I turned to distance running for exercise.
In February 2021, I started at Massachusetts General Hospital as a clinical laboratory scientist. Working at MGH as an essential worker exposed me to the critical needs in emergency medicine, sparking a newfound passion. When the 2024 Boston Marathon applications went live, on a whim, I applied to the MGH Emergency Response Team, not expecting to be selected. To my surprise, I was notified the next day that I had been chosen.
Even more surprising, just a few weeks later, I received acceptance from UMass Medical School, where I plan to pursue a career in emergency medicine. Emergency medicine holds special significance for me due to its universal necessity; the unpredictability of acute medical needs underscores its importance. This sentiment is deeply rooted in personal experiences, having witnessed the efforts of emergency medical personnel during the loss of loved ones, throughout the pandemic, and in the immediate aftermath of the 2013 bombings.
My decision to run the Boston Marathon is dedicated to the memory of my cousin, Logan Johnson, and my uncle, Charlie Jerrier, who both passed away in 2022. This marathon is a symbolic journey, a tribute to the resilience of emergency medical professionals, and a commitment to making a difference in the field that means so much to me. I can’t wait to reach that Boylston Street finish line in just a couple of weeks!
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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