Readers Say

Nate Root is running for the Herren Project after losing a brother to substance use disorder

"We’re honored to be on Herren Project’s team to run the historic 125th Boston Marathon."

Nate Root and his sister are raising money to help people dealing with substance use disorder.

By Zipporah Osei

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 #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Nate Root
Age: 47
From: Sherborn

My sister and I lost our little brother, Paul, in early 2020. Paul was a beloved uncle, son, brother. He was a talented artist with an MFA and his own business. He was one of a kind. He also struggled privately with substance use disorder, as so many do. He died of an accidental heroin and fentanyl overdose in February 2020.

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The opioid crisis claims more than 100,000 lives nationwide every year, with around 2,000 of those from right in our Massachusetts community. My sister and I are partnering with Herren Project to raise money to help people and their families struggling with substance use disorder. Herren Project has been doing real, positive work to fight this crisis since 2011.

We’re honored to be on Herren Project’s team to run the historic 125th Boston Marathon and raise money for this great cause.

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

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Zipporah Osei

Audience Engagement Editor

Zipporah Osei is an audience engagement editor for Boston.com, where she connects with readers on site and across social media.

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