On April 15th, 2024, The Boston Marathon was held. The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon race that is hosted by several cities and towns in Boston. What made this year’s Boston Marathon relevant to our community is that Ms. Hansen, one of SRA’s coaches, participated in the Marathon. This is an amazing achievement for Hansen.

“From a very young age, and ever since I was introduced to the sport, I had my heart set on trying my very best to qualify for the Boston Marathon,” Ms. Hansen said.

Participating in the Boston Marathon has been a very big goal for her ever since a young age. Ms. Hansen has been very passionate about the sport and it has been a great journey for her. Before she ran in the Boston Marathon she previously ran in the Surf City Marathon, OC Marathon two times, and the Long Beach Marathon. With the time she got from the OC, she was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

“After I raced my heart out and qualified, I immediately knew I had to race Boston!!”

The thing that inspires Ms. Hansen runs every day with her parents. Ms. Hansen views running as a gift she doesn’t have to do but something she loves and gets to do.

“I run for my mom, as she suffered a devastating, life-altering injury that has severely limited her ability to run. That is why I always tell my kids that running is a GIFT, that not many people get the chance to do,”

The Boston Marathon has been a monumental and important moment for Ms. Hansen, marking a lifelong dream of hers that took dedication and passion.