Readers Say

Annie Madden is running for the Mass General Hospital ER team

"I have been running a bit and felt that this was the time to jump in and push myself while helping to raise money for those folks who save countless lives."

March 30, 2022

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.

Amy Dowe is running to honor her friend, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor

Name: Annie Madden
Age: 46
From: Newton

I’m part of the 2022 Mass General Marathon Team.

The MGH ER is the front line of everything, pandemic or not!

They respond to all emergencies in Boston and are a leading teaching hospital.

I have always been an athlete and a runner, but a marathon always seemed beyond reach. Even when I was on the running team, a half-marathon is the longest race I wanted to run. But this year just seemed the time.

I have been running a bit and felt that this was the time to jump in and push myself while helping to raise money for those folks who save countless lives and it is even more special to be on this journey alongside my husband Sam, who is also running and fundraising for MGH.

Why the MGH ER team? They may or may not be as glamorous as portrayed on TV, but they are the first stop for many in need of care, including for psychiatric emergencies as part of the Boston Emergency Response Team (BEST).

Given the last two years, our front-line responders need all the support they can get. The Boston Marathon is a legend of a course that nearly goes through my backyard. I took on this challenge only 12 weeks out, but I am willing to put in the work to make it a success!

I’ve done a run to the finish line and a run from the starting line. Now with four weeks to go, I’m ready to connect those runs and see this through to the end. Bring on Marathon Monday!

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