NH athlete is running Boston for the care that keeps her breathing

“I am running the Boston Marathon because I can run, and I can run thanks to the excellent care I have received as a patient at Mass Eye and Ear.”

Alison Clode is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Alison Clode)

March 24, 2026 | 11:42 AM

1 minute to read

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: Alison Clode
Age: 50
From: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I am running the Boston Marathon because I can run, and I can run thanks to the excellent care I have received as a patient at Mass Eye and Ear.

This mental health worker is running Boston for her neighbors in South Boston

I have been under the care of Dr. Song in the Otolaryngology unit for over 10 years as he has helped me navigate a condition (subglottic stenosis) that makes breathing difficult. Thanks to his knowledge and skill I can keep breathing and stay active, so it seems to only make sense that I use this opportunity to raise funds for his research.

Dr. Song’s medical focus is, simply put, helping people breathe. Whether breathing difficulties occur in relation to conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s or, like me, for unknown reasons, treating these conditions has an immeasurably positive impact on a patient’s quality of life.

Whatever fundraising I can do to help his and his team’s research continue so that further refinements in diagnosis and management are possible is a small piece of the puzzle, and one that I am very grateful to be able to make.

Training for and running the Boston Marathon in support of the entire team at Mass Eye and Ear is an honor. Which I keep reminding myself of when my alarm goes off at 5 a.m. to get out for a run in single-digit temps. It’s the least I can do!

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

Are you running the 2026 Boston Marathon? Share your story with us.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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