At 79, Childhood Cancer Researcher Still Running Boston Marathon

Dr. Howard Weinstein has raised nearly $2 million for pediatric care and research through marathon fundraising efforts.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:44pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the skeletal structure of a runner's leg in motion, conceptually representing the resilience and determination of a lifelong medical researcher still competing in the Boston Marathon.A 79-year-old cancer researcher's dedication to the Boston Marathon inspires hope and perseverance in the fight against childhood illness.Boston Today

Dr. Howard Weinstein, chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, is running the Boston Marathon for the 33rd time at age 79. Weinstein has raised nearly $2 million for pediatric cancer care and research through his marathon fundraising efforts, which he started in 1998 to engage patients and families in supporting childhood cancer initiatives.

Why it matters

Weinstein's dedication to running the Boston Marathon and raising funds for childhood cancer research and treatment highlights the important role that medical professionals can play in supporting their patients beyond just clinical care. His efforts have helped drive significant improvements in long-term survival rates for children with cancer, from 50% when he started to 88% today.

The details

Weinstein ran his first Boston Marathon in his 30s and will run it for the 33rd time this year. He founded the Mass General Marathon Team in 1998 to bring together patients, families, and supporters to raise money for childhood cancer initiatives. One of Weinstein's former patients, Keira Fitzmaurice, was inspired by him to become a PA and will run the marathon with him this year.

  • Weinstein ran his first Boston Marathon in his 30s.
  • Weinstein founded the Mass General Marathon Team in 1998.
  • Weinstein will run the Boston Marathon for the 33rd time on Monday.

The players

Dr. Howard Weinstein

Chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital who has run the Boston Marathon 33 times and raised nearly $2 million for childhood cancer care and research.

Keira Fitzmaurice

A former patient of Weinstein's who was treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was inspired by Weinstein to become a PA and run the Boston Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“I just turned 79, which I can't believe. I keep thinking my birth certificate is wrong. I can't be 79 years old because I didn't start running marathons until I was in my 30s.”

— Dr. Howard Weinstein, Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital

“Dr. Weinstein is such an incredible person. Anyone who has ever met him would say that. He inspired me to become a PA. I'm now working as a PA. He also inspired me to want to become a runner. He was always talking about running the Boston Marathon when I was a patient.”

— Keira Fitzmaurice, Former Patient

What’s next

Weinstein plans to continue running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for childhood cancer research and treatment, with the goal of reaching a 100% long-term survival rate for children with cancer.

The takeaway

Dr. Weinstein's dedication to running the Boston Marathon and raising money for childhood cancer initiatives demonstrates the powerful impact that medical professionals can have on their patients beyond just clinical care. His efforts have helped drive significant improvements in survival rates and inspired others, like his former patient Keira Fitzmaurice, to pursue their own goals.