Patrick McMahon is running for both the Martin W. Richard Foundation and the Lingzi Foundation

"I’m lucky to have come out of that 2013 race physically unscathed. I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity to spread joy."

Patrick McMahon is running for both the Martin W. Richard Foundation and the Lingzi Foundation. Patrick McMahon

March 10, 2020

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: Patrick McMahon
Age: 33
From: Framingham, Massachusetts

I’ve had the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon every year since 2009 through the charity program, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be doing so. Following the events of the 2013 race, I made a vow to myself that I would help bring good back into this city. The running world has given me so much – friends, a sense of accomplishment, goals, and drive. I just want to give back. I’ve been able to run with the Martin W. Richard Foundation (2014-2018) and the Lingzi Foundation (2019), fulfilling my personal vow, and helping to raise funds for their respective projects.

This year, I have been given the opportunity to run for BOTH foundations and to honor Martin AND Lingzi. I’ve been given the opportunity to continue my own personal journey to healing. I’ve been given the chance to build bridges and spread peace. I’ve been given the opportunity to help grow the foundations formed in their memory. I’ve been given the opportunity to be on the first Team MR8 to run the Boston Marathon, and now the last Team MR8 to run the Boston Marathon. I’ve been given this chance by both foundations.

I’ve said this before: I’m lucky to be doing this. I’m lucky to have come out of that 2013 race physically unscathed. I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity to spread joy. I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity to make change. Maybe it’s a coincidence. Maybe it’s not. I received notice of this opportunity on Valentine’s Day, and consider it a tremendous opportunity to spread love.