In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston on April 15, 2019.

Name: Robert Santamaria

Age: 53

From: Bedford, Massachusetts

Bib #: 11909

I’m running Boston because… I have watched on the sidelines and have been blown away by the river of runners passing by me. I’ve been blown away by the elites, really talented amateurs, average people, and the charity runners. I have been brought to tears watching disabled wheelchair racers stuck on Heartbreak Hill and not being able to help them except for yelling encouragement — “Come on you got this. You can do this!” — while they are stopped in the cold pouring rain.


Then there are the courageous folks running with blades because they are missing a leg that refuse to give up. Then there are my friends who have been successful and DNFd. It’s all just so freaking powerful. I say to myself: “Look at all of these amazing people. You can do this too!”

As a friend of mine who can no longer run said, “Believe!” I needed a 3:30 to qualify and crushed it with 3:19. I did it! I stayed the course! I believed!

Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.

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