Luke Lauring
My Why
After running the Chicago Marathon in 2021, I told myself I would never run another marathon again. Very original, I know. However, that mindset changed when Sam died. I told myself, “I will do one more, but it would only ever be Boston, and it would only be for Herren.”
Welp, funny how life works because, with a last-minute call-up from the Bullpen and just 86 days to spare, we’re running the 2026 Boston Marathon for The Herren Project, and I could not be more ecstatic.
On August 27th, 2023, my best friend Sam Norton passed away unexpectedly while running the Santa Rosa Marathon, where he was trying to qualify for Boston. A loss I still cannot wrap my head around and one I carry with me every day.
The one thing that allows me to be okay as life goes on without him is knowing how much he loved me and knowing that he knew how much I loved him. Let this be a small reminder to tell your people that you love them as much as you can.
Sam was a member of the Herren Project marathon team, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support to individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. This cause meant the world to Sam after losing his father, Tim Norton, to substance use in 2020. He raised thousands of dollars for them and was a genuine believer in their mission. A mission he lived out long before his commitment to the organization.
While running the 2023 Boston Marathon for Herren, Sam collapsed around mile 13 and was hospitalized for a couple of days with a severe case of rhabdomyolysis. This absolutely devastated him. But, in true Sam Norton fashion, it only fueled him further. Instead of walking away and taking a break from marathons, he ran a half-marathon 1 month later. He became more determined and driven to conquer Boston faster and stronger. This time, by qualifying rather than fundraising.
While Sam was never able to complete the Boston Marathon himself, doing this in his honor is the perfect way for me to continue his legacy in exactly the way he would have wanted; by doing something he loved, with him beside me every step of the way.
Sam was truly one of a kind. Annoyingly smart, incredibly athletic, and the hardest worker I’ve ever met. He was the best friend, brother, and son you could ever want on your side. He wanted everyone around him to live to their fullest potential and would do whatever he could to help you get there.
Words cannot express how honored I am to carry on his legacy and his mission by running the Boston Marathon in support of The Herron Project. Please consider donating, as no amount is too small and every contribution is deeply appreciated. It would truly mean the world to me and everyone who loved Sam.
Help me close this chapter of the story my best friend started. This one is for you, buddy. LFG. SN66
