Run your own race: A highlight from Boston Marathon weekend

As the official health insurance provider of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and sponsor of the B.A.A. Medley Races, Point32Health had the opportunity to host a panel discussion on the importance of running your own race and how running has an impact on both physical and mental health at FanFest during the 2023 Boston Marathon Weekend. Panelists included:

Joan Benoit Samuelson

American marathon runner who was the first women’s Olympic marathon champion, winning the gold medal in 1984. She held the fastest time for an American woman at the Chicago Marathon for 32 years after winning the race in 1985. Her time at the Boston Marathon was the fastest time by an American woman at that race for 28 years.

Jeff Davis

A Chicago-born, Boston resident who has committed to living a life as an advocate of truth, justice, and equity for all. Jeff founded the Boston Chapter of Black Men Run to create a healthy community that enriches the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of all Black Men.

Sidney Baptista

A coach, leader, activist and the founder of PIONEERS Run Crew in Boston. He’s also the founder and CEO of PYNRS Performance Streetwear, which was selected to be part of REI’s “Navigate” program and won the grand prize at the Black Ambition Gathering on the Vineyard competition this year.

Moderated by Lenny DiNardo, a NESN play-by-play commentator and former Red Sox pitcher, the discussion covered everything from the basics of how each panelist got into running and found community within the sport to how equity and running are connected. The participants also talked about how running is important for whole body health.

Watch some highlights from the discussion: