The Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team
Key Info
RACE DATE
Monday, April 20, 2026
Contact Caroline Rees
marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu
PHONE
617 763 4657Support the 2026 Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team
The Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team is now full; however, qualified runners are still encouraged to join and will be responsible for raising a minimum of $1,000.
Support a runner
April 20, 2026
Support a runner on the Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team and help turn tragedy into hope.
The Stepping Strong Story: Turning Tragedy into Hope
In 2013, Boston was changed forever when a beautiful Marathon Monday turned into a senseless tragedy. Gillian Reny, then a high school senior, was one of the 39 critically injured patients rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where doctors and nurses saved her life and both of her legs. In gratitude to the Brigham, the Reny family established The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation to help other trauma patients like Gillian regain their strength and ability to step strong once again.
I ran the 2014 Boston Marathon for Gillian—my sister, best friend, and greatest gift. I ran for the supporters, survivors, responders, doctors, and nurses who saved our family in myriad ways. And I ran to finally cross that finish line in 2014 with the conviction that there is so much good in this world.”
With Gratitude to the Reny Family
Why we run
Read inspirational stories and support our marathon runners
Find a runner
Thank you to the Reny family for generously sponsoring our Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon team. Their sponsorship will help advance the crucial work of The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation, which catalyzes trauma innovation for injured civilians and military heroes, through multidisciplinary investigative collaborations across the continuum of trauma care, from prevention to treatment and recovery.
Trauma is often referred to as the neglected global epidemic of modern society, as it accounted for 40 million emergency department visits and an economic burden of $4 trillion in 2020. It is the number one cause of death for people 44 or younger, ahead of cancer and heart disease. When you support a member of the Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team, you are helping turn tragedy into hope for civilian and military heroes worldwide who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are only some of the questions we hear from prospective runners. To read more FAQs, click here.
When will I know if I am on the team?
Accepted runners to the 2026 Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team have been notified.
Each application is reviewed by a selection committee, and runners are accepted on a rolling basis. We send out updates throughout the recruitment period and intend to fill the team as quickly as possible.
To find out information on next year’s team, please fill out the interested runner form at the bottom of this page or contact us at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu.
What is my personal fundraising commitment?
Runners who need a Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) bib number will be responsible for raising a minimum of $10,000. Top consideration will be given to those applicants who commit to raising more than $10,500 and who provide a detailed fundraising plan to support their commitment. We encourage all fundraising commitments to be met by marathon day. However, the deadline to fulfill your fundraising commitment is May 11, 2026.
All teammates running for the Brigham Stepping Strong team will be required to have an online fundraising page on TeamRaiser.
What type of training will I get?
We engage a running coach, John Furey, to lead the physical training efforts for our team. He leads all personalized coaching with teammates of all running levels—from beginners to experienced marathoners. You can visit his website, www.furey262.com, to learn more.
Can qualified runners join the team, and if so, what is the fundraising commitment?
Yes! Anyone who secures a bib on their own and is registered through the B.A.A. can join the team. Qualified runners must commit to a fundraising minimum of $1,000 and complete an application.
2025 Marathon Photos
