Newton Resident To Run Boston Marathon For Alzheimer’s Association

NEWTON, MA — Newton resident Suzanne Keohane will run the 126th Boston Marathon on April 18 to raise critical funds and awareness in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Keohane is running the 26.2-mile race as a member of Team End ALZ on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. She will run in honor of her father, Hank, who lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in August 2021.

“Marathon Monday was one of my dad's favorite days of the year,” said Keohane in a statement. For half a century, the Keohanes have cheered on the runners at mile 12 in Natick. My dad was known for his fist pumps and his ‘Hutta Go’ or ‘Guts Ball’ cheers. This year, a family high-five at mile 12 will mean everything to me."

At 51 years old, this will mark the first time Keohane has competed in a marathon. In addition to running the Boston Marathon, she has set the ambitious goal of raising $40,000 towards the cause and has already raised more than $33,000.

Funds raised by Team End ALZ runners directly support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia through the advancement of research and to provide care and support for the more than 6 million Americans living with the disease, including more than 130,000 in Massachusetts.

“It was important to my dad to give back,” said Keohane. "It is a privilege to honor his legacy by giving back to the Alzheimer’s Association, the organization that supported our family through our Alzheimer’s journey."

The Team End ALZ program began in 2001 when a few dedicated athletes participated in the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. The program has grown over the past 20 years, raising over $7.5 million since inception. The 2022 Boston Marathon team will continue its tradition of success while celebrating another year of running as a proud partner of the John Hancock Non-Profit Program.

To learn more about Keohane’s story, or to donate to her Boston Marathon fundraiser, click here.