She survived a brain aneurysm — now she’s finishing the Marathon Majors in Boston

After a ruptured brain aneurysm left her unable to walk, Andrea Calleja fought her way back — and will complete her World Marathon Majors journey in Boston.

Andrea Calleja is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Calleja)

March 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM

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: Andrea Calleja
Age: 46
From: Manila, Philippines

Since 1996, running has been my lifeline — an outlet for celebration, sorrow, and the sheer joy of being alive.

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

My Marathon Majors journey began in 2017 at the New York City Marathon, marked by a major heartbreak that deepened my emotional connection to running. I continued this passion through marathons in Berlin and Chicago in 2019.

However, just five days after Chicago, I faced a life-altering challenge: a ruptured brain aneurysm. The aftermath was incredibly tough; my brain rewired itself, causing memory loss, vision impairment, and an inability to walk. Doctors warned I might never run again, but fueled by determination and faith in a greater plan, I sought a second opinion and committed to a long recovery journey.

During the pandemic, I worked tirelessly, remaining patient as I regained my strength. After three arduous years, and with the unwavering support of family and friends, my doctor finally cleared me to run again.

In 2023, I finished my slowest yet most meaningful marathon in Tokyo, followed by the London and Sydney marathons in 2024. This year, I was fortunate enough to secure a final star through the lottery for 5 or 6 star finishers.

To add purpose to my runs, I volunteered with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, turning my personal struggle into advocacy for others facing similar challenges. I run for those who can’t because I can, channeling my strength and resilience into every step.

Each mile is a tribute to those who face challenges that limit their ability to run, and I strive to inspire and uplift them through my journey. My runs symbolize hope, determination, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

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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