South Boston runner supports BMC social workers in Boston Marathon

Paige Beattie, 23, is running with Team BMC to raise funds for the hospital’s safety-net mission and the social workers who support patients in crisis.

Paige Beattie is running the 2026 Boston Marathon.

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: Paige Beattie
Age: 23
From: South Boston

I’m so excited to share that I’m running the 2026 Boston Marathon with Team BMC. Boston Medical Center isn’t just a hospital — it’s a safety net for thousands of people who would otherwise fall through the cracks. BMC provides exceptional, compassionate care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. That mission is rare, essential, and deeply worth protecting.

What inspires me most are the social workers who make that mission real every single day. Growing up with a mom in hospice social work, I saw how much strength it takes to walk with people through their hardest moments. Now, watching my roommate do that same work at BMC, I’m reminded constantly that social workers are the quiet backbone of our healthcare system. They’re the ones finding housing for patients with nowhere to go, coordinating care for families in crisis, and offering dignity and stability when life feels overwhelming. Their impact is enormous, and yet their resources are often stretched thin. That’s why I’m running — to help ensure BMC and its social workers can continue showing up for our community with the compassion and expertise people deserve.

Marathon training has been challenging but incredibly energizing. From freezing early‑morning runs to fundraising events like HandleBar classes, the Stats Bar fundraisers, and miles with Madison and Olivia, every step reminds me why this cause matters. I’m working toward raising $10,000, with more events on the way! Every dollar, whether it’s $5 or $50, directly strengthens BMC’s ability to care for those who need it most. Thank you for supporting this mission and this journey. I truly couldn’t do it without the community support!

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

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