There are marathons, and then there’s Boston. With fast qualifying standards and limited entries, it remains one of the most competitive races in the world. Rich in history and tradition as the oldest annual marathon, Boston has become the ultimate goal for runners.
Each year, more than 30,000 runners line up on Patriots’ Day, but the majority must first earn their spot by hitting strict qualifying standards based on age and gender. In recent years, things have gotten even more competitive: for the 2026 race over 10,000 runners who technically “qualified” are still left out.
And yet, every year, runners from all over the world make it. In 2025, that included an impressive showing from Houston, where more than 250 local runners earned their way to Boston, each with their own story of hard work and determination. This year, we’re highlighting six of those Houstonians who will toe up to the start line on April 20.
Jon Mercado
Jon Mercado joins the Boston Marathon field for the first time this year, marking a major milestone in his running journey. After multiple attempts at running a full marathon ended before the start line due to injury, Mercado reconnected with his high school coach, Jeff Cunningham (@jdcunningham97 on IG). He finally put it all together at the Chevron Houston Marathon, where he ran 2:46:20 in his debut. “It’s a meaningful milestone in my running career,” he said. “After all, it is the Boston Marathon, you have to earn it.”
Now healthy and heading into race weekend, Mercado is focused on both the moment and the people around him. “Running Boston is enjoying the fruits of my labor,” he said, adding that he’s especially looking forward to being there with his partner, family, and friends. As for race day, his approach is simple: “Give it 100% and leave nothing in the tank as I do for any race.” He also added, “Bonus points if I scare my mother.”
Cynthia Brake
Cynthia Brake is no stranger to Boston, the 2026 Boston Marathon will be her third time on the start line, following previous appearances in 2017 and 2019. She qualified at the 2024 New York City Marathon, where she ran 2:57:21. Looking back on what Boston represents, she said, “For me, Boston is the benchmark. It’s the challenge, the journey, and the work you put in, and then the culmination of all of that comes together at the finish line.”
Brake’s path to Boston started years earlier after watching her sisters run the race in 2015, an experience that changed her perspective on the marathon distance. “I remember thinking, I’m running this race one day,” she said. “Not just because they inspired me, but because the energy, even spectating along the course, is electric and intoxicating.” This year, she is focused on execution and improvement, saying, “I feel like I underperformed in my prior Boston races, so I want to execute better this year, go after a PR, and really enjoy the overall experience.”
Katie Brake
For Katie Brake, the 2026 Boston Marathon will be her fourth time. She qualified for this year’s race through the 2024 New York City Marathon, where she ran 3:09:34, and later improved with a 2:55:46 at NYC 2025. Reflecting on what the race means to her, she said, “Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is one of the biggest running dreams I’ve ever had. It’s such an iconic race that makes the day feel so special. It is not for everyone, running a marathon is not for everyone, but it will change you.”
After a seven year break from Boston, Brake is especially looking forward to returning to the course and taking in the atmosphere. “The energy of this city is indescribable. It’s truly hard to explain unless you experience it yourself,” she said. “I’m excited for the energy of the city, and just taking it all in.” She also looks forward to the iconic moments along the course, adding, “Seeing the Citgo sign and then turning left on Boylston and hearing the roar of the crowd all the way to the finish.” On race day, her focus is simple: “I am always shooting for a PR. I will be happy with any finish in this iconic race. I just want to feel healthy and at my best on race day.”
Taylor Richardson
What started as a serious running journey in September 2024 has already led Taylor Richardson to the start line in Boston for the first time. In a fast progression, he qualified at both the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon and the New York City Marathon with identical times of 2:46:34. “If I ran another hundred marathons, I doubt I’d ever match two marathon times to the second again,” he said. “It’s wild.”
For Richardson, Boston represents something he once did not think was within reach. “Before I ran the 2025 Houston Marathon, I honestly never thought I’d be fast enough to qualify,” he said. “It’s proof that consistency and belief can take you further than you expect.” This year, he is especially looking forward to the atmosphere and sharing the experience with his family. “I can’t wait to feel the energy from the crowds,” he said, adding that having his wife and kids along the course will make it unforgettable. His goal is a controlled but competitive effort, saying, “My coach has me targeting around 2:55, but once the Alphaflys are laced up and I’m in the corral, we’ll see how well I listen to instructions.”
Derwin Graham
For Derwin Graham, the 2026 Boston Marathon will mark both his first time running Boston and only his second marathon ever. He qualified with a 2:47:18 at the 2025 Chevron Houston Marathon, securing his spot early in his marathon journey. “It means a lot,” he said. “When you look at the numbers, the percentage of people who finish a marathon is already small. Once you narrow that down to those who qualify for Boston, it’s even smaller.”
For Graham, the significance of Boston goes beyond the time on the clock. “Then, when you factor in the even shorter list of Black American marathoners who have made it to this stage, it becomes a fraction of a fraction,” he said. “Joining that group is a blessing and something I don’t take lightly.” He is especially looking forward to the energy and history of race weekend, as well as running up Heartbreak Hill. “I grew up in Copperas Cove, Texas, the ‘City of 5 Hills,’ so I’m interested to see how it stacks up,” he said. Still working back from a hip injury, his approach is flexible but focused on experience. “Ultimately, I’m going into Boston with the mindset of just having fun and soaking in every bit of the experience.”
Melissa Bittick
A familiar presence on the Boston Marathon course for nearly a decade, Melissa Bittick will return for her eighth appearance in 2026, a race she first qualified for at the Chevron Houston Marathon in 2018 during her debut marathon, which led to her Boston debut in 2019. “Boston represents dreaming big and working really hard to achieve something that at one point felt very out of reach,” she said. “I’m proud to represent women, mothers and dreamers every time I run Boston. I thank God for the opportunity to be apart of such a magical race but also for the growth and transformation that has happened in my life by reaching for more.”
Each year, Bittick views Boston as both a personal milestone and a celebration of the sport. “Being a part of the Boston Marathon each year is so incredibly special,” she said. “The whole city is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for race day, there’s nothing like it.” Now a 29-time marathoner, she is focused on a strong but enjoyable effort, noting, “I’d love to run a similar time in that range, but also want to enjoy the experience. My ultimate goal is to run 10 consecutive Boston Marathons.”
