Readers Say

Joshua Grzegorzewski is running Boston for his daughters

"I am thankful that I fit within the qualifying window before my daughters' teenage years set in."

Joshua Grzegorzewski

March 8, 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.

Name: Joshua Grzegorzewski
Age: 46
From: Malden

I am running in the 2022 Boston Marathon because my daughters have never seen me do it before. My first Boston was in 2007. My last, was 5 months after the birth of my eldest daughter.

The 12 years between that last race and this one have been filled with highs and lows, experiences and accomplishments for all of us. Though I have continued to volunteer each year to make marathon weekend amazing for all of the other participants and their supporters, it has taken until now for me to earn my way back to the starting line in Hopkinton on Patriots’ Day.

This demonstration of goal-setting, perseverance, resilience, and gracious community support along the way has been a long-term parenting opportunity I embraced. I am thankful that I fit within the qualifying window before my daughters’ teenage years set in and they might still care what their dad is doing and maybe even think I am cool. Is “cool” even still the right word?

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