Runner Profile: Newton Upper Falls Man Running Boston Marathon in Memory of Grandfather

Runner name: John Murphy

Age: 27

Where you live (what village in Newton): Upper Falls

Profession: Investment associate at Point Judith Capital (Venture Capital Firm)

Marathon experience: First time marathoner!

Reason for running: I am running in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. My grandfather passed away from Hodgkin's disease before I was born and I never had a chance to meet him. Seeing that Hodgkin's and other forms of Lymphoma now have a relatively high success rate of treatment, I have realized that the money that has been raised for cancer research really has had a significant impact and is making a difference. There are several people in my life who are currently fighting the battle with various forms of cancer, and I am running in honor of them in hopes that further progress will be made as a result of the money raised.

Training tip:  Have fun! The long runs during training are certainly not easy, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. It's all about the mindset and finding a way to get yourself excited every weekend for your run.  

Qualified runner or charity bib?: Charity bib for Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. For more information on Murphy's run, check out his fundraising page. 

Bib number: 23097