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‘Superhero’ runners to sweep through Boston Marathon’s final 17 miles
The annual SuperHero17 training run returns Saturday with colorful costumes – and a heartfelt tribute to its late founder.
About 100 runners in capes and colorful costumes will sweep through the final 17 miles of the Boston Marathon course Saturday morning — turning heads from Natick to Boston while honoring the woman who started it all.
The annual SuperHero17 training run, organized by CharityTeams, has become a beloved tradition for marathon trainees and charity runners. Participants follow the iconic marathon route, beginning at the Natick VFW and finishing on Newbury Street, drawing cheers — and plenty of double takes — as they pass through Wellesley, Newton and into Boston dressed as superheroes and other quirky characters.
This year’s run carries added meaning.
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The 2026 SuperHero17 will serve as a tribute to Susan Hurley, founder of CharityTeams and the longtime force behind the superhero-themed training run. Hurley, who passed away from cancer in November, launched the program in 2008 to help charities build and manage athletic fundraising efforts through marathon and road-race programs. Under her leadership, SuperHero17 became known not only for its spectacle, but for its supportive community.
Many of this year’s participants are running in Hurley’s memory. Several plan to dress “as Susan,” recreating some of her most memorable looks — including her signature cheerleader and bee costumes — while others will honor her in more subtle ways, sporting outfits and accessories that capture her unmistakable spirit.
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Runners will gather around 7:30 a.m. at lululemon on Newbury Street before boarding buses to Natick. After group photos at the Natick VFW, the caped crew will set off at 9 a.m., retracing the marathon’s final miles through Wellesley, Newton and into Boston, ending back at lululemon.
On Saturday, that spirit will carry the group forward once again — one superhero stride at a time.
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