Boston Marathon Runners Honor Community Through Personal Stories

As the Boston Marathon approaches on April 20, 2026, several runners are gearing up not just for the grueling 26.2-mile race but also to honor personal stories and support local charities that make a difference in their communities.

Among them is Springfield native Major Clay, who is set to run his first Boston Marathon representing the Chicago nonprofit Peace Runners 773. A two-time high jump state champion from Lanphier High School, Clay has transitioned from high jumping to endurance running since 2021, motivated by a desire to raise awareness for Peace Runners 773, an organization dedicated to health and wellness in Chicago’s West Side Garfield Park.

“Our goal is Peace Runners worldwide — just making an impact worldwide,” Clay said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to promoting an active lifestyle, nutrition, and mental well-being. As the training and programs director for Peace Runners 773, he has played a key role in inspiring others to engage in running, particularly those facing financial insecurity.

Clay’s involvement with Peace Runners has led him to participate in various marathons, including those in Chicago, New York, and Sydney, Australia. He recalled how running has opened doors for him, stating, “Peace Runners gives us the opportunity to go out of the country to have fun and bring awareness to our cause.” Clay, who set the Indiana State University indoor high jump record in 2012, is excited about the Boston Marathon, viewing it as a culmination of his hard work and dedication.

“It’s going to be a great experience — thank all the work that we’ve put in from the point we started to where we’re at now,” he said. Clay, 37, is also motivated by his 2-year-old son, Royal Major Clay, who inspires him to push through the challenges of training. “Most of my energy comes from him and being an example for him,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Emily Berg, another participant in the Boston Marathon, will run in memory of her late doorman, Benjamin, who passed away a little over a year ago. Berg, who lives in Boston’s South End, fondly recalls her friendship with Benjamin, who provided her with support during a difficult time in her life. “He was just so generous and kind and positive,” she said, noting that he had spent time at the Pine Street Inn shelter.

Motivated to honor Benjamin's memory, Berg is running for the Pine Street Inn marathon team. “I was always looking for a way to sort of honor him and honor his memory,” she explained. The Pine Street Inn provides shelter and offers workforce development and legal assistance, boasting a remarkable 98% housing retention rate for those placed in housing.

Berg, who has previously completed marathons in New York and Berlin, aims to finish all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors before she turns 40. She describes her training for the Boston Marathon as a celebration of community, stating, “Honestly, that to me feels super connected to Benjamin; he had such an outsized impact on my life.”

On the other side of the Boston Marathon spectrum is Kim Tucker Tremblay, who will run in support of the Hopkinton Emergency Fund (HEF). The HEF has provided nearly $100,000 in grants over the past five years to families in crisis. Tucker Tremblay, a forensic psychologist, moved to Hopkinton with her husband over three years ago and is motivated by the community’s need for support, particularly in times of financial hardship.

“Hopkinton is known to be a well-off town, but the Hopkinton Emergency Fund made me realize that even people who seem to have it all together still run into situations where they need support,” she said. Setting a fundraising goal of $9,000, Tucker Tremblay is determined to raise awareness for the HEF and its mission to assist local families.

Having joined a local running group called Boston Run & Chug, she found camaraderie and motivation among fellow runners. “The nice thing about the running group was that we were all transplants. We were all looking to meet new people and we all had similar interests,” Tucker Tremblay said. Inspired by the group, she ran her first marathon in 2018 and has continued to pursue her passion for running.

Tucker Tremblay hopes her participation in the Boston Marathon will raise funds and inspire her community. “I want to show [my daughter] that you can push yourself to do hard things and that you can do anything you say you can do,” she said, emphasizing the importance of setting a positive example.

As these three runners prepare for the Boston Marathon, their stories highlight the intersection of personal journeys and community support. Clay, Berg, and Tucker Tremblay each embody the spirit of resilience and the desire to make a difference through their participation in this iconic race.

With the marathon just days away, the excitement is building for the participants and for the communities they represent. For many, the Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to honor memories, support local organizations, and inspire others to pursue their goals.

As Berg succinctly put it, “All of those people around you have such an impact.” Their collective efforts remind us that running can be a powerful vehicle for change, fostering connections and uplifting those in need.