This music teacher is running the Boston Marathon for Parkinson’s research

In our “Why I runseries, Boston Marathon athletes share what inspires them to tackle the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

My name is Owen Hughes and in 2026 I hope to run the Boston Marathon for reasons that go far beyond crossing the finish line. Boston would be my ninth full marathon since I started running in 2022, and it represents one of the biggest dreams I’ve ever chased.

I am an elementary music and choir teacher in Westchester, New York, and music has always taught me the value of patience, practice, and heart. Running has become another way I carry those lessons with me. What makes this race especially meaningful is that I am running to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in honor of my father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago.

In the United States alone, Parkinson’s affects nearly a million people, and countless families feel its impact every day. The Michael J. Fox Foundation does life-changing work by funding critical research, supporting new treatments, and bringing hope to people with Parkinson’s and those who love them. Supporting this foundation means supporting progress, compassion and the possibility of a better future.

My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They were there at every dance recital, theater performance and concert, and they continue to appear for me in every chapter of my life. If they were to cheer me on as I work towards one of my biggest running goals, while running for a cause that hits so close to home, it would mean more than I can put into words.

Running the Boston Marathon would be an incredible honor, but running for my father, my family and this cause would make it unforgettable!

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

Annie Jonas is a community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.