This Braintree mom is running Boston for Mass. Eye and Ear

Boston Marathon

“I hope that by running the Boston Marathon, I can show them that we CAN do hard things.”

By Annie Jonas

February 18, 2026 | 12:00 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: Katie Nicoloro
Age: 40
From: Braintree

Running the Boston Marathon for the first time is a dream come true and a moment I will cherish forever. Marathon Monday has always been one of my favorite days of the year. The city feels alive with a kind of energy that is impossible to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Strangers from all over the world come together as one — to cheer, to support, and to celebrate each other.

For as long as I can remember, running Boston has been a bucket list goal. Being able to experience Boston as a runner, and not a spectator feels humbling and surreal.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience is my friends and family will be waiting for me at the finish line, especially my two young children Jack and Evelyn, and my niece Abigail. I already can’t wait for the moment I get to squeeze them after crossing the finish line. I hope that by running the Boston Marathon, I can show them that we CAN do hard things. To continue to dream big, and that those big dreams are achievable if you just keep showing up.

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.