‘I’m absolutely able to reaching something I set my thoughts to’

Boston Marathon

Samantha Sheppard has at all times been a runner. After recovering from surgical procedure and working the 2024 Mesa Marathon, she re-qualified for Boston.

By Kelly Chan

March 22, 2025 | 5:00 PM

2 minutes to learn

In our “Why I’m Working” collection, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Searching for extra race day content material? Join Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Title: Samantha Sheppard
Age: 32
From: Scottsdale, Ariz.

I first started working marathons at 17 years previous, taking over the problem in 2009 to boost cash for the Kidney Most cancers Affiliation in honor of my mother who was identified in 2006 with renal cell carcinoma, however is now occurring 19 years most cancers free. 

I continued working, and at 19 years previous — with a time of three hours, 17 minutes — I received first place in my age group within the Chicago Marathon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  

I’ve been a runner for many of my life, from a younger woman, to a D1 athlete in faculty, and now, as a lifelong athlete. Working has taught me a few of my most dear life classes, has formed me into the particular person I’m at this time, and is a continuing reminder that I’m absolutely able to reaching something I set my thoughts to. 

I turned to working at a really younger age to show that I may push myself mentally and bodily to beat any obstacles I used to be confronted with.

In April of 2023, I used to be attacked by a Rottweiler, and my proper bicep was torn into two items. For months after the assault and surgical procedure I used to be at my very lowest of lows. Working, the one factor I at all times turned to for peace and readability, was prohibited. 

After months of not working, surgical procedure, and therapeutic, I made a decision to get again into working and signed up for the 2024 Mesa Marathon. That day I re-qualified for the Boston Marathon, and right here I’m at this time past excited for race day!

Nobody is promised tomorrow, and all the things we’ve got and have labored to develop into could be taken away from us in a matter of seconds. It’s as much as us to be one of the best we could be within the time we’ve got.

Editor’s be aware: This entry could have been evenly edited for readability or grammar.

Editor’s be aware: This entry could have been evenly edited for readability or grammar.