Running the Boston Marathon for a Purpose

My name is Hillary Throckmorton, and in the past year, my whole life changed. As many of you know, I lost my husband Billy tragically and unexpectedly in January 2023. Three months later, I packed up my life and moved from Atlanta back to Maine to be close to my family. And two months after that, I gave birth to my daughter Billie. Of course, Billie has been the brightest light and has helped me keep moving forward. I also have gotten back into running, and going on runs has been my therapy and solace on the hardest days. When Billie was 5 months old, I ran a half marathon here in Maine. This accomplishment got me thinking about many things: how I can use running to give focus and purpose to my life, how I want to show Billie how to be active and strong and the importance of moving forward.

All of this led me to the decision to take on the Boston Marathon this April. This will be my third marathon, my second Boston Marathon, but the first one I’ve done with so much meaning. It’s times like these that you lean upon the support of friends and family. That’s why it’s really special that I’m not running this race alone. I will be running with one of our closest friends Mike Newton. When it was hard to imagine taking steps forward, we decided to run a marathon. But I will let him tell his story.

My name is Mike Newton. I was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC and I am currently in my last year of medical school at UNC. Truthfully, although I consider myself an active person, I have never considered myself a runner. Far from it. In fact, before I decided to run in the Boston Marathon, the longest run that I had completed was 9 miles and I felt every single step. What changed? Everything. My life was flipped upside down this past year after Billy passed away and it has been the most difficult year of my life. Many things have not made sense this year, but making the decision to run Boston was one of the few things that felt right. I am running for Billy, I am running for my community and I am running for the people I love.

We have partnered with the organization NamaStay Sober, a non-profit organization committed to helping individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives through affordable yoga, fitness, meditation and wellness-focused community events. This fundraising effort will be geared towards expansion of facilities, scholarship programs and community outreach.

For more information about the organization please visit: https://namastaysober.org/

We feel stronger together and know that on Marathon day Billy will be with us every step of the way. Thank you for your help in getting us across the finish line.

Love,

Hill & Newt