She survived a brain tumor. Now she’s running the Boston Marathon.

“This is my chance to honor my journey, inspire others, and make a difference for a cause that aligns with my story.”

Tracy Haisley is running the 2026 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Haisley)

March 7, 2026 | 8:00 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: Tracy Haisley
Age: 50
From: Columbia, South Carolina

No one knows better than me that life can change in an instant. I went to the doctor for a persistent headache and walked away with a brain tumor spanning my two frontal lobes.

Eight days later I was being prepped for brain surgery not knowing if I was going to survive and, if I did, what I would be like after. Three months of rehab followed where even walking half a mile was a significant effort. Running the Boston Marathon is a dream that represents so much more than just crossing the finish line. This is my chance to honor my journey, inspire others, and make a difference for a cause that aligns with my story and my gratitude for the second chance I’ve been given.

Public libraries have always held a special place in my life, serving as both a sanctuary for learning and a hub for community connection. Growing up, libraries provided me with access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities that shaped my life. My commitment to their continued importance led me to serve on the Board of the Richland Library in Columbia, SC for almost 15 years, where I raised funds and hosted events to drive advocacy and awareness for this invaluable community service.

As a dedicated runner, joining the Boston Public Library team to run the marathon was the perfect way to unite two of my life’s passions. I am passionate about championing public libraries because I believe they are essential for fostering literacy, bridging the digital divide, and supporting lifelong learning for people of all backgrounds. By advocating for their value and securing the necessary funding, I hope to ensure that libraries remain vibrant, accessible, and equipped to serve future generations.

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

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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