Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, is a proud sponsor of the marathon and the presenting sponsor of the B.A.A. Boston 5K. We’re also thrilled to have a running team for this year’s Marathon and 5K.

With every step there’s a story. Hear from some of our employee runners on what inspires them to run:

How does running help with your health and well-being?

  • “It’s incredible how I can just empty my mind. I’m a licensed clinician so it’s really about getting your mind and body connected, which is extremely therapeutic. ” – Larissa
  • “One of the best things about [running] is getting a period of time to myself and some space to expel some energy. I can't be doing much else or else I'll fall. So creating a bit of a space and a period of time to create the separation [between] work and personal time and sort of clear my head through that.” – Ben
  • “I just think that's what's so cool about running. It's just that feedback that you have with your own body, listening to pain if you need to end a run early because you have pain or you need to take an extra rest day. … If you treat your body well, it's rewarding.” – Elysia
  • “I find that it's a great release mentally. I don't really hit my stride until I'm four miles into a run. So being able to run long distances is nice, it’s comfortable. Running gives me time to disconnect from all types of life’s stresses.” – Kristen 

How do you stay motivated to run? 

  • “[Because] I have asthma, I never thought I would do more than maybe a 10k, so this is like a big jump for me. Even the half marathons were. But I also have a son with sickle cell disease. And it's nice being able to show him that you may not be the best, but you can still go and do it. So, all those things kind of motivate me a little bit.” – Barry
  • “My goal for this year is to challenge myself because I’m more capable than I give myself credit for. I usually sell myself short with running so I just wanted to sign up for one and commit to it because I know I can do it.” – Vivian
  • “I heard the best way to motivate yourself is to sign up for the next race. I love to travel, so my plan is to combine my love of exploring with running. I’ve been doing a lot of research on different races across the country. For example, last month, I did a half marathon in Sedona, Arizona.” – Donna
  • “For me, it’s hard to have a bad day after a run. … it just sets you on the right path.” – Sekou

Are you running for a favorite charity or for a loved one?

  • “I'm running for the neuro and endocrine tumor research foundation. My aunt died of NET cancer last May from a rare neuroendocrine illness. She had been fighting it for eight years. I just really wanted to honor her by working with this charity.” – Bennett
  • “I am running for the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless program. … I was definitely motivated to run for a cause that I felt like maybe my impact could feel greater. The people that work there are so committed.” – Katelyn
  • “[I’m running for] the Herren Project. They do substance use and recovery support services in the community. They provide scholarships for folks to receive rehab services and provide a lot of community support.” – Jeffrey
  • “Back at the beginning, my mom had rheumatoid arthritis, so I found a group that was running the marathon for the Arthritis Foundation. I raised money for that group and trained with them and it was awesome. This year I’m running for Casa Myrna.” – Karen 

What’s the best running advice you’ve received or have for others? 

  • “Don't worry about speed. Worry about building a good foundation, worry about getting in those miles in in any way possible. And even if it requires cross training, just make sure that you're out there, building up that cardiovascular system.” – Christopher
  • “Run the mile you're in, which really resonates with me. Just thinking about 26.2 miles, it seems like such a long road, and it is. But taking it mile by mile like that, and with my training as well, has been very helpful. It's really to concentrate on the present and where you’re at.” – Jessica
  • “I’ve heard before that the first ten miles you run with your legs, then the second ten miles you run with your brain, and then the last six miles with your heart.” – Chi
  • “For running, you could really start anywhere. After I played basketball in high school, I started out just running a mile to a mile and a half. And then, supplementing that with other exercise, too, but then building up from there slowly. You really can start from anywhere, even if you're starting at a walk to a light jog.” – Aaron 

For more on the upcoming Boston Marathon weekend: 

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