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Why I’m running the Boston Marathon for charity after 9/11 — and what it means to me
Matt Marino is fundraising for the Webb Norden Foundation — founded by survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings — to help others recover from traumatic events.
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: Matt Marino
Age: 48
From: Bernardsville, New Jersey
Prior to 2025, I never thought about fundraising and running a marathon for charity. I ran with Team For Kids in NYC for a race or two, but fundraising for a marathon was a different story. However, after completing the Berlin Marathon in 2024, I decided to try fundraising for the 2025 London Marathon since I would need to raise a modest sum. I successfully raised my goal amount and ran well, and that began my marathon charity cycle.
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After London, I raised the stakes and fundraised for and ran the 2025 Sydney Marathon, setting a PR in the process. During my post-Sydney recovery, I talked to friends about Boston charity fundraising, which I knew required a significant commitment. I wasn’t sure about attempting it, but I decided to explore charities to see if one resonated with me. I found the one. The Webb Norden Foundation was started by Jacqui Webb and Paul Norden, two survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The organization provides assistance to children and young adults who have experienced traumatic situations, something with which I really connected.
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As a then-24 year old, I directly witnessed 9/11 and, almost 25 years later, still carry the trauma. I wish I had resources back then to cope with my trauma, and after reading about The Webb Norden Foundation, I knew I wanted to fundraise for them so they could help those in need. While it would mean a huge commitment on my part, it would also let me not only run the Boston Marathon, but run for a truly amazing charity.
I’ll earn another marathon star in Boston (with Tokyo being the only one left), but running for charity — and especially with Team WNF — will bring me much more purpose as a runner.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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