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Why a Virginia mom is running the 2026 Boston Marathon: ‘Stories can save lives’

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Why a Virginia mom is running the 2026 Boston Marathon: ‘Stories can save lives’


Boston Marathon

“I run for my mother. I run for awareness. I run so others know they are not alone.”

Elizabeth Ayres is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ayres)

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: Elizabeth Ayres
Age: 45
From: Henrico, Virginia

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I run because running saved my life.

When I was 11 years old, my mother died by suicide. That loss shaped my childhood and followed me quietly into adulthood. For many years, I carried grief without knowing how to release it.


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At 36, after immigrating to the United States without speaking English, working in house cleaning, and raising two children, I discovered running — not as a sport, but as a lifeline. What began as short walks turned into 5Ks, then marathons, and eventually ultramarathons. With every mile, I found strength, healing, and clarity.

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Running taught me discipline and resilience, but more importantly, it gave my pain a purpose.

In 2026, I will run the Boston Marathon in honor of my mother and in support of suicide prevention through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). I run to help break the silence around mental health and to remind others that asking for help is an act of courage.

As a mother, immigrant, and runner, I want my journey to show that it’s never too late to begin again. Movement can heal. Stories can save lives. And hope can grow from even the deepest pain.

I run for my mother. I run for awareness. I run so others know they are not alone.

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

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Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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Boston, MA

Boston ‘No Kings’ rally expected to draw 100,000; others planned across Mass.

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Boston ‘No Kings’ rally expected to draw 100,000; others planned across Mass.


“No Kings” rallies are scheduled in Boston and across Massachusetts on Saturday and are expected to draw large crowds, organizers said.

Organized by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501, the event is a mass mobilization in protest of the Trump administration.

The No Kings theme was created by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

“The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it’s not just about protesting what’s wrong—it’s about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all,” organizers wrote.

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The rally, one of thousands scheduled across the country this weekend, is planned for the Boston Common from 2 to 4 p.m. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Boston’s rally. Other events are scheduled in Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, Worcester, Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape. For a map of No Kings events near you, click here.

Speakers include elected officials Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Ed Markey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and civic leaders Hessann Farooqi Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, Darlene Lombos, president of the Greater Boston Labor Council, Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts, Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts, and others. It will be moderated by Rahsaan Hall, president and CEO of Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.

There will also be performances by the Dropkick Murphys, Boston Area Brigade of Activist Musicians, BVOCAL Chorus, and Jimmy Tingle.

A previous No Kings rally in October drew massive crowds estimated in the tens of thousands.

NBC10 Boston

NBC10 Boston

An aerial view of the crowd at Boston’s “No Kings” rally on the Common on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

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Boston, MA

Boston police searching for gunman after ‘juvenile’ shot in Allston – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

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Boston police searching for gunman after ‘juvenile’ shot in Allston – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


ALLSTON, MASS. (WHDH) – Boston police are searching for a gunman who opened fire in Allston Thursday and left one person hurt.

Police responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of Brighton Avenue at approximately 6:46 p.m. When officers arrived, they said they found a male “juvenile” suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim’s age has not been released.

Boston police said the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston police.

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This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

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Your 2026 Red Sox season primer

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Your 2026 Red Sox season primer






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