Special Olympics Athlete Takes on Boston Marathon

Benny Langlois, a Special Olympics New Hampshire participant, is running the prestigious Boston Marathon this year.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:24pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and motion of a runner, their form dissolving into brushstrokes that convey a sense of triumph and determination.A Special Olympics athlete's inspiring journey to the prestigious Boston Marathon showcases the transformative power of the program.Boston Today

Benny Langlois, a 27-year-old Special Olympics athlete from New Hampshire, is taking on the challenge of running the Boston Marathon this year. Langlois first got involved with Special Olympics in high school, which taught him to take risks and embrace new challenges. After being invited by a fellow Special Olympian, Langlois ran the Boston Marathon for the first time last year and is now returning to take on the race again.

Why it matters

Langlois' story highlights how the Special Olympics program empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities to push their limits and achieve remarkable feats. His participation in the prestigious Boston Marathon demonstrates the capabilities of Special Olympics athletes and inspires others to take on new challenges.

The details

Langlois, who works at the grocery chain Hannaford, has embraced running and now has a collection of medals from various marathons. He credits Special Olympics with teaching him that he can 'do anything you set your mind to' and that his disability does not define him when he is running. Langlois will be running the Boston Marathon with the support of his mother, grandfather, and the broader Special Olympics community.

  • Langlois first ran the Boston Marathon in 2025.
  • Langlois is running the Boston Marathon again in 2026.

The players

Benny Langlois

A 27-year-old Special Olympics athlete from New Hampshire who is running the Boston Marathon for the second time.

Thomas Cantara

A fellow Special Olympian who invited Langlois to run the Boston Marathon.

Hannaford

The grocery chain where Langlois works, and where his colleagues recognize and support his marathon training.

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What they’re saying

“That's one of the coolest things I think Special Olympics has taught me, that you can always take risks.”

— Benny Langlois, Special Olympics Athlete

“I think I've learned you can do anything you set your mind to, and there's no limit to what your disability can do.”

— Benny Langlois, Special Olympics Athlete

“He phones me, and he's like, 'Hey Ben, do you want to run a marathon?' and I'm just, like, frozen.”

— Benny Langlois, Special Olympics Athlete

What’s next

Langlois will be running the 2026 Boston Marathon on April 21st, where he hopes to build on his experience from last year's race.

The takeaway

Benny Langlois' journey to the Boston Marathon as a Special Olympics athlete demonstrates the transformative power of the program, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to push their limits and achieve remarkable feats. His story inspires others to embrace new challenges and never underestimate their own capabilities.