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This Needham resident is running Boston to help low-income children through Cradles to Crayons
Alex Torrens is running the 2026 Boston Marathon for Cradles to Crayons.
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
Name: Alex Torrens
Age: 37
From: Needham, Mass.
I am excited to run with the 2026 Cradles to Crayons Boston Marathon team of runners! I am running to raise awareness of the important work Cradles to Crayons is doing to support children in need across Mass.
Cradles to Crayons provides new and gently used clothing and other necessities — free of charge — to children experiencing homelessness, crisis, or low-income situations.
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I first connected with Cradles to Crayons through my daughters’ school, the British International School of Boston, and then through my employer BNY, which is a charity partner of Cradles to Crayons. I have volunteered with the school’s parent group and with my coworkers at the Giving Factory in Newton.
I have never experienced clothing insecurity, personally. Quite the opposite — with long school uniform lists checked off and lovely things to wear for every occasion. It’s the same for my kids. While being a parent has been very stressful at times, I can’t imagine what it must have been like for some of the parents C2C has helped — and what it’s like RIGHT NOW for those they’ve not yet helped.
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I feel like some can be unsure about how to support charity, generally. There are so many worthy causes. I believe focusing is powerful and have personally chosen to support charities focused on (1) kids, (2) education, and (3) the very most effective organizations.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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