Readers Say

Dean Perry is running in memory of his late grandfather

"Running has a way of moving you forward in life."

Dean Perry will be cheered on by his two-year-old daughter while he runs in memory of his late grandfather.

August 30, 2021

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Dean Perry
Age: 31
From: Sudbury

This will be my fourth time running Boston. I am raising money for two great causes in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Ron Burton Training Village.

The last time I ran in 2019, my grandfather was still with us and he always could be found cheering me on from the halfway point in Wellesley. He passed away last year following a battle with cancer.

While I am running in his memory, I also am running for my daughter who, having just turned two, will get to see her dad running in the big race for the first time. Running has a way of moving you forward in life.

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