Boston Marathon
Paige Beatty, 23, is working with the BMC team to raise money for the hospital’s safety net mission and social workers who support patients in crisis.
Big Betty will run the 2026 Boston Marathon.
On our websiteWhy am I running?“, Boston Marathon athletes share what inspires them to take on the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for the Boston Marathon Pop-up Newsletter at Boston.com.
name: Big Betty
Age: 23
From: South Boston
I’m so excited to share that I’m running the 2026 Boston Marathon with Team BMC. Boston Medical Center isn’t just a hospital — it’s a safety net for thousands of people who would otherwise fall through the cracks. BMC provides exceptional, compassionate care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. This mission is rare, essential, and deeply worth protecting.
What inspires me most are the social workers who make this mission a reality every day. Growing up with my mother in aged care social work, I saw how much strength it takes to walk with people through their toughest moments. Now, as I watch my roommate do the same work at BMC, I am constantly reminded that social workers are the quiet backbone of our health care system. They are the ones who find housing for patients who have nowhere to go, coordinate care for families in crisis, and provide dignity and stability when life seems overwhelming. Their influence is enormous, yet their resources are often weak. That’s why I’m running – to help ensure the BMC and its social workers can continue to show up for our community with the compassion and expertise people deserve.
Marathon training has been challenging but incredibly energizing. From freezing early morning runs to fundraising events like HandleBar classes, Stats Bar fundraisers, and Miles with Madison and Olivia, every step reminds me of the importance of this cause. I’m working on raising $10,000, with more events on the way! Every dollar, whether $5 or $50, directly strengthens BMC’s ability to care for people who need it most. Thank you for supporting this mission and this journey. I really couldn’t do it without community support!
Editor’s Note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
-
Will you be running the 2026 Boston Marathon? Share your story with us.
Sign up for the Boston Marathon Newsletter
Get Boston Marathon registration information, start times, live runner tracking, road closures, live updates from race day, special features, and more.