DAMIEN LEACH • Roxbury

"Ever since I was a child, it has always been my dream to run the Boston Marathon. Despite having severe asthma which limited my abilities to engage in sports, I always held onto this dream that one day, I could run this monumental race.

"I felt inspired by the runners I saw participating in the Boston Marathon as they would pass through different parts of the city. As a kid, I wondered if the asthma I had would ever go away so then one day, I could also experience the joy of running this race. Thankfully, I grew out of my asthma and running has become an important part of my life. It grounds me personally and with my career too.

"I found running to be an active way to practice self-agency and this has helped to support my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Many people who have witnessed my running journey understand how important the Boston Marathon has been to me and have seen me work hard to qualify. I failed repeatedly and realized that my failures have helped me to become a stronger runner. I am grateful for my family who has encouraged me along the way. My brother, Will, always would say to me, we didn't get this far just to get this far! Every step forward is an active act of faith in myself to accomplish something so deeply personal and special to me. Crossing the Boston Marathon finish line will certainly be one of the most beautiful moments of my life and I am thankful for the journey I've been through to seize the moment and make it happen."

SHERLEY BELIZAIRE • Black Girls Run! • Mattapan

"I am so blessed to have met and continue to know these amazing groups of women through Black Girls Run! Within a three-year period I went from not being able to run a mile to running multiple 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. It had always been a dream to run a marathon, more important, the prestigious Boston Marathon."

Sherley now has finished four marathons and two Bostons, including the 2021 Virtual Boston Marathon.

JOHNNY GISAGARA • PIONEERS Run Crew • East Boston

Johnny moved to Boston in the midst of the pandemic and joined the PIONEERS Run Crew because he wanted to be part of a diverse and inclusive running community. Since then he's been showing up for himself and for our community, sharing training tips along the way (he also serves as a personal trainer and data analyst by day). Johnny trained and ran 26. True in 2022 as his first marathon, looking to challenge himself. Now he's looking forward to another opportunity to run the distance. As a strong runner and leader in our community, Johnny cherishes running the Boston Marathon and sharing his experience with others.