Boston Marathon
Yes, Alberto Colin planned it that way.
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: Alberto Colin
Age: 60
City: Long Beach, California
I am running in the 130th Boston Marathon because I love the Boston Marathon. In 2011, at the instant that I crossed the finish line on Boylston, I knew that I needed to resume my training with the same focus, so that I could return to race on the third Monday in April for as many years as possible. This year will be my 16th consecutive Boston Marathon and, by no coincidence, my 130th marathon.
On April 20, I expect to realize the third milestone of a plan that was drafted during the COVID shutdown. Already having run 64 marathons but stuck at that number until road races resumed, I drafted a plan to run my 100th marathon in Boston (2024). The second milestone was to run my 115th marathon in Boston (2025) because the total distance of 115 marathons is equal to the distance from my home in Long Beach, California to Boston. The third milestone was to have my 130th marathon coincide with the 130th running of the Boston Marathon.
So why am I running? Mostly to be a part of and appreciate everything that the Boston Marathon does to bring out the best of humanity. There are those people that never think of running a marathon until they have been in Boston on Marathon Monday. That contagious energy touches people to do more than they think is possible. Sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to set a goal, lay out a plan, put in the work, enjoy the journey, achieve your goal and celebrate, just before you dream up that next goal.
Thank you to the people of Boston, New England, the volunteers, race supporters, and the Boston Athletic Association for all that you do to make this, the greatest race in the world.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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