2026 Boston Marathon – Patrick Murray

Born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, running the Boston Marathon has always been a dream of mine. I am deeply honored to be running the 2026 Boston Marathon in support of the 1LT Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Foundation. As a Captain in the United States Army, I have seen firsthand the impact this Foundation—and the Hines Family—has on Service Members and Veterans across Massachusetts.

Growing up playing hockey in Massachusetts, I knew Derek’s story well. His courage and sacrifice in Afghanistan were widely known and admired. His example inspired me to pursue my own path of service. After graduating from Harvard University in 2020, I commissioned as an Infantry Officer and served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Battle Company, 2-503 Infantry—the same company Derek served in.

Serving in Battle Company made Derek’s legacy feel incredibly real. His memory is honored daily by Paratroopers who train hard, lead selflessly, and uphold the standards he set. During my time in Vicenza, Italy, our battalion hosted a satellite Flag Day 5K each year, giving us the chance to meet the Hines Family and see the Foundation’s work up close.

In June 2025, I had the chance to join more than fifteen Battle Company Paratroopers at the Flag Day 5K in Newburyport. We met Veterans who had served alongside Derek, and hearing their first-hand memories of his leadership was profoundly moving. Seeing how much the continued connection to Derek and Battle Company means to those Veterans underscored just how special the Hines Family and the 1LT Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Foundation truly are.

For all these reasons, it is a tremendous honor to run on behalf of the Foundation. I look forward to representing Derek’s legacy and helping raise funds to continue supporting Service Members and Veterans across Massachusetts.