This doctor is running Boston for children with autism

Boston Marathon

At 53, Dr. Nicole Graham is redefining what endurance, leadership, and representation look like, one marathon at a time.

By Annie Jonas

January 26, 2026 | 1:11 PM

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Nicole Graham
Age: 53
From: Jersey City, New Jersey

I am running the 2026 Boston Marathon because it represents purpose, perseverance, and representation, both on the course and beyond it.

Running was not always part of my story. I began running in 2021, found my rhythm, and then faced a major setback when I fractured my left foot in February 2024. That injury required immobilization, months of physical therapy, and relearning how to walk and run. I was afraid to run and reinjure myself. Just 268 days later, I crossed the finish line of the 2024 New York City Marathon, my first marathon. That moment changed everything.

Since then, I have completed the Tokyo, London, Berlin, and Chicago Marathons in 2025. Boston will be my final stop toward earning my Six Star Medal; an accomplishment rooted in discipline, faith, and resilience.

As a doctorally prepared registered nurse with over 27 years of experience, and a holistic wellness coach, I understand what it means to be underrepresented. Only 2.7% of nurses hold a doctorate, and Black and Brown runners remain a minority in marathon running, especially at the World Major level. Running Boston is about visibility and inclusivity. It is about showing others what is possible, even when the odds or circumstances are stacked against you.

I am also running as a charity athlete for the New England Center for Children, supporting individuals with autism and their families, work that deeply aligns with my professional values and personal relationships.

Boston is not just a race to me. It is the culmination of healing, history, and hope;  a reminder that perseverance can take you farther than you ever imagined.

“Representation matters. Resilience inspires.”

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.