Jesse Barnes Runs the 2025 Boston Marathon in Memory of His Son Merrill

On April 21, 2025, Jesse Barnes will run the 129th Boston Marathon, carrying the memory of his son, Merrill, with every step. His decision to run is deeply personal, driven by love, loss, and a desire to give back to The Children’s Room, a place that has provided his family with invaluable support in the wake of tragedy.

Jesse’s world changed forever in 2022 when Merrill died unexpectedly at the age of 22. A senior in college, Merrill had a bright future ahead of him. For Jesse, the loss was shattering.

“My life and world shattered that day,” Jesse shared. “Not long afterward, our family connected with another family who had lost a child, and they recommended we look into The Children’s Room. Since then, my family has benefited greatly from TCR. For me personally, attending group meetings where I could hear from parents who had gone through similar challenges was, and is, a lifeline.”

Running for a Purpose: Why Jesse Chose the Boston Marathon

Jesse has been a runner for years, but the idea of running a marathon never crossed his mind until recently. While out on a run, he realized that TCR might have a Boston Marathon charity team, and he saw an opportunity to give back to the organization that had been so meaningful to his family.

“I thought that raising money for TCR would be a wonderful way to help an organization that has been so helpful to my family,” he said. “Since then, I have been patiently waiting for the application to open.”

The Boston Marathon holds a special significance for Jesse beyond his personal loss. Having lived in Boston for 23 years, he and his family would walk down the street to watch the marathon when his children were young. Now, running the race himself carries even more meaning.

“Honestly, the main reason I’d like to do it is to raise money for TCR so they can help other families like mine.”

How You Can Support Jesse’s Boston Marathon Run

Jesse’s journey to the Boston Marathon finish line is not just about running. It is about honoring Merrill, remembering the families who have supported him, and ensuring that other grieving parents, children, and teens have a place to turn when they need it most.

You can show your support by donating to Jesse’s fundraiser and sharing his story to help spread awareness about the importance of grief support.

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