A Family Tradition: Ali and Catherine O’Brien Run the 2025 Boston Marathon in Memory of Their Parents

For Ali and Catherine O’Brien, running has always been more than a sport. It’s a connection to family, a bond that started in childhood, and a way to honor the legacy of their late parents, Tim and Margaret O’Brien.

Growing up in Newton, the sisters spent years watching the Boston Marathon, cheering on runners as they raced through their hometown. Their father, Tim, was one of them. A dedicated runner, he completed the marathon many times, including twice for The Children’s Room. When he passed away suddenly in 2021, running became an even deeper part of his daughters’ lives.

Now, Ali and Catherine are taking on the challenge of running the 129th Boston Marathon, not just as a personal milestone but as a tribute to their father’s passion and the organization that helped their family navigate grief.

Running for Family, Running for a Cause

TCR has been part of the O’Brien family’s story for years. After their mother, Margaret, died in 2015, the sisters and their father found support through the organization’s programs.

“Going to The Children’s Room after my mom’s death was very helpful for me,” Ali shared. “I appreciated having a safe space to talk about anything with people who had shared experiences.”

For Catherine, running Boston is about honoring both her parents and carrying forward her father’s commitment to TCR.

“Running and family meant so much to my dad,” she said. “Running this marathon with my sister, in support of a charity my dad loved, feels like the perfect way to honor his legacy.”

Tim’s dedication to TCR was evident in everything he did. In 2018, he ran the Boston Marathon for The Children’s Room, raising over $50,000 and becoming one of the year’s top 10 fundraisers. His passion for the cause left a lasting impact on his daughters, who now feel privileged to follow in his footsteps.

“I also feel connected to my dad by running for The Children’s Room,” Ali said. “He was always so invested in it, and I would feel proud to be raising money for a cause that he cared so deeply about.”

A Childhood Dream Fulfilled

For Ali, running Boston isn’t just about honoring her father—it’s the realization of a dream.

“Running was always a way that me and my dad connected,” she shared. “Whether it was running 5Ks together, talking through race plans for my cross-country seasons, or him telling me stories about his races, it was always something we shared.”

One of Ali’s earliest memories was standing on the sidelines, watching her father push through the famous Boston course. She was always in awe of him, and even as a child, she knew that one day, she wanted to run it too.

“It has been a goal of mine to run it ever since I was a kid watching him,” she said. “I want to run it to honor my dad, as well as fulfill a childhood dream of mine.”

How You Can Support Ali and Catherine’s Marathon Journey

Ali and Catherine’s race is about more than personal achievement. Every mile they run is a tribute to their parents, a testament to the power of connection, and a way to ensure that other grieving families find the support they need.

By donating, you can help them continue their father’s legacy and support The Children’s Room’s free grief support services.

To donate to Ali and Catherine’s fundraising campaign and learn more about their run, visit childrensroom.org/boston-marathon.