Boston shuts down every year to embrace its world’s best-ranking (and oldest) annual 26.2-mile marathon. Marathons are also historically expensive and timely. Multiple items are required to run and recover effectively: registration fees, shoes, athletic gear, sunscreen, energy chews, hydration tablets, balm to prevent chafing, foam rollers, training plans, and more! This widens the gap for people from different walks of life to compete in the sport of running.

Last year we followed Jesus Emmanuel Morales Martinez and Abdi Ali, two community runners from Boston. Both shared their experience running their first marathon. Here are three things they shared:

• They were excited and grateful for the opportunity to run, but never saw the marathon as an accessible opportunity for BIPOC Boston residents. 
• They were proud to represent their community at the start line. 
• Even though it was a great experience, both felt unprepared due to the lack of information and resources as first-time runners who are not experts! 

This year we decided to work with eight community-led running organizations that represent Boston’s diverse city! Our 11 runners will pave the way for the next generation of runners by:

• representing historically excluded communities and encouraging residents, especially youth, to see themselves in their shoes when they are running the marathon
• building community by gathering and sharing resources for future marathon runners, and
• promoting health and wellness in their community.

The Equity and Inclusion Cabinet aims to promote health and wellness in diverse communities that historically experience gaps in care. We believe amplifying runners' stories will inspire others to prioritize their physical and mental health.