This Waltham man is running Boston for Big Brothers Big Sisters

“As an only child who could have used a big brother growing up, I am fully committed to this organization and everything it stands for,” Gladden said.

Aaron Gladden is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. Aaron Gladden

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: Aaron Gladden
Age: 33
From: Waltham, Mass.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is so near and dear to my heart. Just after graduating from Boston University in 2014, I decided to become a Big Brother. I watched my Little Brother, Teyvon, grow from a young nine-year-old elementary schooler to seeing him graduate from high school. We have been matched for over ten years now.

The match has brought so much positivity to my life and has taught me many things about myself and the world along the way. As an only child who could have used a big brother growing up, I am fully committed to this organization and everything it stands for. That commitment led me to join BBBSEM’s Board of Advisors in 2025, where I work to help advance the mission of pairing youth with caring adult mentors.

Running the Boston Marathon has long been a personal goal, and this year I am proud to take on the historic race for the first time while raising funds for a cause that has shaped both my life and my community.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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