‘I am fully capable of achieving anything I set my mind to’

Boston Marathon

Samantha Sheppard has always been a runner. After recovering from surgery and running the 2024 Mesa Marathon, she re-qualified for Boston.

By Kelly Chan

March 22, 2025 | 5:00 PM

2 minutes to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Samantha Sheppard
Age: 32
From: Scottsdale, Ariz.

I first began running marathons at 17 years old, taking on the challenge in 2009 to raise money for the Kidney Cancer Association in honor of my mom who was diagnosed in 2006 with renal cell carcinoma, but is now going on 19 years cancer free. 

I continued running, and at 19 years old — with a time of 3 hours, 17 minutes — I won first place in my age group in the Chicago Marathon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  

I’ve been a runner for most of my life, from a young girl, to a D1 athlete in college, and now, as a lifelong athlete. Running has taught me some of my most valuable life lessons, has shaped me into the person I am today, and is a constant reminder that I am fully capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. 

I turned to running at a very young age to prove that I could push myself mentally and physically to overcome any obstacles I was faced with.

In April of 2023, I was attacked by a Rottweiler, and my right bicep was torn into two pieces. For months after the attack and surgery I was at my very lowest of lows. Running, the one thing I always turned to for peace and clarity, was prohibited. 

After months of not running, surgery, and healing, I decided to get back into running and signed up for the 2024 Mesa Marathon. That day I re-qualified for the Boston Marathon, and here I am today beyond excited for race day!

No one is promised tomorrow, and everything we have and have worked to become can be taken away from us in a matter of seconds. It is up to us to be the best we can be in the time we have.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.