This father is running Boston to help prevent violence against women

Matt Weagle is running the Boston Marathon for the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation.

April 17, 2026 | 3:00 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: Matt Weagle
Age: 43
From: Auburn

I’ve spent much of my life chasing difficult goals, first as a professional baseball player, and now through my career and family life. Running the Boston Marathon is another challenge I’m fully committed to, but this time it isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about running with purpose, raising awareness, and helping create a safer world for my wife, my daughters, and the community around me.

The Boston Marathon has long been a personal goal, but this year it means far more than simply reaching the finish line. Becoming a father to two daughters fundamentally changed how I see the world and the responsibility I carry within it. I want my girls, and all women, to grow up feeling safe, confident, and empowered. That belief is what led me to run in support of the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is to prevent violence against women through education, awareness, and self-defense. The reality that a woman is assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States is something none of us can afford to ignore. I believe we all have an obligation to be part of the solution by speaking up, taking action, and standing alongside women in meaningful ways. Running the Boston Marathon is my way of doing that. As a husband and a father, supporting this mission isn’t just important, it’s necessary.

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

Kelly Chan

Content Producer

Kelly Chan is a content producer at Boston.com. She designs multimedia content on site and across social media platforms, and experiments with new ways to engage readers.

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