Wavemakers in Action: Our 2026 Boston Marathon Team

There’s something about marathon weekend that’s hard to put into words—until you’re in it.
For Herren Project’s 2026 Boston Marathon team, it wasn’t just about race day. It was about the moments leading up to it. The stories behind it. And the people who made it matter.
Sixteen runners showed up in Boston this year, each with their own reason for being there—but all connected by one thing: a commitment to bringing hope and recovery to others.
And together, they’ve already raised an incredible $344,847—and counting.

A Team Effort, Every Step of the Way

2026 Boston Marathon Team

What stood out most that weekend wasn’t just the miles—it was the people.
This team showed up for each other in ways that go beyond training runs or fundraising goals. They showed up with honesty, with vulnerability, and with a shared understanding of why this work matters.
Our founder and teammate, Chris Herren, said:

“This is an incredible team, and recovery, you don’t need to be in it to be on our team, and its the greatest team i’ve ever been on.”

By the time they reached the start line, it was clear: this wasn’t just a group of individuals. This was a team in every sense of the word.
And all along the course, the Herren Project community showed up right alongside them.
It mattered. You could feel it.

Why They Run

Every runner on this team carried more than just miles on race day.
They ran for loved ones. For their own recovery. For families still in it. For the people who haven’t found their way yet.
A few of our teammates’ whys:
“Im running in honor of my cousin Nicole. It’s been 16 years since she lost her battle with addiction, and I wanted to honor her in postive space, so that is why I am running for Herren Project”- Jill Riley
“I am running in honor of my mom who passed away from addiction 5 yeara ago. Chris Herren came to my school, and thats how i found out about the Herren Project.”- Nick Chicos
That’s what makes this team different.

Because every dollar raised—and every step taken—supports real people:

  • Someone looking for treatment
  • A family trying to understand what comes next
  • A student learning how to take care of their mental health
  • A community working to do better
This isn’t just fundraising. Its impact you can see.

More Than a Finish Line

By the time our runners crossed the finish line on Boylston Street, the moment was big—but it wasn’t the whole story.
Teammates with medals
The story is in the months of training.
The early mornings.
The tough days.
The decision to keep going.
And most of all, the choice to do it for something bigger than themselves.

Still Moving Forward

With $344,847 raised and counting, this team is still making an impact—and will be long after marathon weekend is over.
To our runners: thank you for showing up the way you did.
To everyone who supported them, donated, and cheered them on: thank you for being part of it.
This is what Wavemakers look like.
And this is what running with purpose really means.