UMass Memorial Health Couple Prepared for the 129th Boston Marathon

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News

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Image Source: Spectrum News

Worcester, Massachusetts — Lauren Murphy is well-prepared to run for the Boston Marathon and her husband, Brian Rettger is right by her side.

“This is my third marathon in six months, said Murphy. “But Brian is actually the one who got me into running during COVID.”

It would be an occupied weekend for the couple leading up to marathon Monday.

“I’m in my final weeks of training. We're in the taper phase, so cutting down the mileage and cutting down the training," said Murphy. "Thank goodness. Brian decided to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon the weekend before the Boston Marathon. So, we will be hiking the canyon the weekend before the Boston Marathon. We're flying in at midnight on Marathon Monday. 12 a.m.”

This would be the first year that the UMass Memorial has provided marathon bibs. Murphy and three others were fundraised and running for the UMass Memorial Deployable Memorial Team.  

“The idea is pioneered by John Broach and Tim Boardman, who are emergency physicians here at UMass," said Rettger. "And they want to be able to put up a field hospital in the local Massachusetts area if needed within 12 hours of an emergency. This was kind of initially inspired by the DCU field hospital that they spun up during COVID. And then they've sort of progressed that plan from there. Even if there isn't an emergency, they'll still be working in the local area to improve emergency response.”

And with the help of her coworkers, family, friends, and husband routing for, Murphy hopes for an incredible run.

“Hopefully the weather cooperates and hopefully it’s not raining,” said Murphy. “And hopefully it’s not hot and hopefully it’s not cold.”

“It’ll be all smiles in Natick,” said Rettger. “And all smiles on Boylston Street right?”