Nathanael Gomes Tejeda, also known as Smiley, is preparing to run the Boston Marathon to fundraise for the cancer clinic that helped him during his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. Tejeda was inspired by a fellow runner who raised money for the clinic and now, six years later, he is giving back. Training has been challenging for Tejeda, as he is more accustomed to wrestling and football, but he values the time running allows for reflection and resetting.
On the other hand, Linda Parrish, a 72-year-old resident of Albany, is set to run her 36th Boston Marathon. Parrish started running in the 80s and made a goal to run ten marathons in a row, but she kept going. She sees running as a time for self-reflection and appreciation for being able to do it. Parrish is part of the quarter-century club and continues to challenge herself with each race.
Lisa Zappala from Derry is aiming to join the quarter-century club by completing 25 Boston Marathons in a row. Zappala started running as a form of therapy after her father passed away and has found strength and perseverance through the sport. She believes anyone can achieve their goals if they set their mind to it.
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