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In memory of Nicky: Why I’m running the Boston Marathon to fight addiction
Jill Riley is running the 2026 Boston Marathon for The Herren Project.
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: Jill Riley
Age: 31
From: Boston
I’m running the 2026 Boston Marathon with the Herren Project team — founded by former Boston Celtics’ player, Chris Herren. The Herren Project (HP) offers services to people struggling with addiction and provides support to their families.
I fundraise for HP in memory of my cousin Nicole, and for so many individuals that face the tragic reality of addiction. April 15th will mark sixteen years since Nicky lost her battle with addiction. She was 23. Running in her memory ensures that her legacy is not about losing her battle with addiction, but about her life before that, and about helping people like her to recover and overcome.
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Running a marathon and recovering from addiction both require putting “one foot in front of the other,” but I know the incline of Heartbreak Hill pales in comparison to the uphill battle faced by those in recovery. Running with HP is a constant reminder of what a privilege it is to wake up in a healthy body, to run, and to do so for so many in desperate need of services and support.
On the third anniversary of Nicky’s death, April 15, 2013, I was standing at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon. My friends and I were situated between the two blasts of the horrific Boston Marathon bombing. The aftermath of that day reinforced that the best of humanity can be found at a marathon – in those crossing the finish line in support of causes they care about, those cheering on their loved ones and strangers alike, the strength and resilience of a city.
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So, on April 20th, I will lace up my sneakers and run for, and with, Nicky, in a race that symbolizes so much more than 26.2 miles.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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