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Allison Hayes is running for Team USO to test what she’s capable of

"When I finished the second, I knew I was not only capable but that I owed it to myself to run 'the whole thing'."

Allison Hayes is running for Team USO to support America’s service members. Allison Hayes

March 2, 2023

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: Allison Hayes

Age: 31

From: Mystic, Conn.

Distance running was not something I enjoyed doing previously, but I realized that it would be my best measure of progress after my car accident in 2015. Approximately two years after the accident, I ran my first race, a 6K, followed by a five-mile race, 10 miles, and then a half marathon. I was in such disbelief that I could possibly finish the half marathon that I did not tell anyone I was running it, in case I didn’t finish. While I hit neck pain around mile eight, I successfully finished and then ran eight more.

When I finished the second, I knew I was not only capable but that I owed it to myself to run “the whole thing.” Here I am, challenging myself and my neck to the entire 26.2 miles. I am representing Team United Services Organization because I truly believe in the mission to strengthen America’s service members by keeping them connected and grounded to home regardless of their physical location. I have seen the direct impact that the USO has made on people through my volunteer work at the USO. I’m also running in honor of the military service both of my grandfathers gave in World War II.

While I may be born and raised a true “Jersey girl,” Boston holds a special place in my heart. My grandparents were born and raised New Englanders from the heart of the city in Boston. My grandfather ran with Amby Burfoot’s father, played for the exhibition basketball team, and my grandmother’s strong New England accent remains the most soothing to me. I know that if they were alive, they would be elated to hear that one of our many family members was finally running the Boston Marathon.

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