Readers Say

This Boston Public Schools teacher is running Boston for the first time

"I have previously run 10 marathons, but never Boston!"

Nicole Pelletier is raising money for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries.

April 13, 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: Nicole Pelletier
Age: 48
From: Jamaica Plain

Richard Rivera is running Boston to support early cancer detection

I am so excited to be running the 2022 Boston Marathon for the first time! The Boston Marathon is one of my favorite days in Boston and it makes me proud to be a Bostonian.

I will be running the Boston Marathon as part of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries’ Boston Marathon Team. I am a Boston Public Schools teacher and I have a particular interest in Goodwill’s mission to help people with barriers to self-sufficiency to achieve independence and dignity through work. Some of the students at my school have participated in Goodwill programs aimed at preparing them for a career. I am committed to supporting my students and appreciate Goodwill’s efforts. I believe that Goodwill does so much for my students and their families in the community.

I have previously run 10 marathons, but never Boston! Every year I go to Kenmore Square and cheer the runners. I always get a little choked up watching the elites cross the finish line. I know I am going to cry when I do. I have fallen in love with running marathons. For nearly 10 years, I have volunteered for Dreamfar High School Marathon, which trains high school students in Greater Boston to run a marathon in the spring.

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