Readers Say

Michael O’Connor is running for ‘an incredible charity team’ on his his 27th birthday

"This just felt like it had to be the year to run it."

For Michael OConnor, Oct. 11 will mark the first marathon he's running since 2019, the 125th Boston marathon and his 27th birthday, all in one day. Michael OConnor

By Mihiro Shimano

September 3, 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: Michael O’Connor
Age: 26
From: Waltham

This year is it will be the only time ever in the history of the race that the Boston Marathon will be on my birthday (October 11). It being the 125th Marathon, the first real Boston marathon since 2019, and my 27th birthday all culminating on one day felt pretty historic.

On top of that it has been a life long dream of mine as a former collegiate cross country runner, as well as being an opportunity to run for an incredible charity team, Massachusetts Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

This just felt like it had to be the year to run it.

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