Tewksbury Native Brittany Torro Motivated for First Boston Marathon

Torro is running to support The James Gang, an organization committed to inclusion opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:04am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a runner ascending Heartbreak Hill, with sharp planes of color representing the official team colors of the Boston Marathon and The James Gang organization.A cubist interpretation of the grueling ascent up Heartbreak Hill captures the determination and community spirit that drives Boston Marathon runners.Boston Today

Brittany Torro, a 23-year-old Tewksbury native and military police officer in the National Guard, is running her first Boston Marathon on Monday. Torro is raising money for The James Gang, an organization that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, and is running in honor of her close friend James Anderson, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Though this will be Torro's first marathon, she has experience with the event, having been stationed at Heartbreak Hill during past races and attending the event as a spectator while a student at Boston University.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world, and Torro's personal connection to the cause she is running for adds an extra layer of meaning and motivation to her first time participating. Her story highlights the power of community support and the impact that individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to a meaningful cause.

The details

Torro was introduced to James Anderson, the founder of The James Gang, in 2024 and the two have developed a close bond. Torro has raised over $8,500 for the organization and is one of five runners representing The James Gang in this year's Boston Marathon. Though this will be Torro's first marathon, she has completed two Tough Rucks, 26.2-mile treks with a 45-pound military pack, in support of military and first responders. Torro graduated from Shawsheen Tech in 2021 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant intelligence officer after completing ROTC at Boston University, where she also worked as an ADA therapist.

  • Torro was stationed at Heartbreak Hill during past Boston Marathons while in the National Guard.
  • Torro attended the Boston Marathon as a spectator during her final two years at Boston University.
  • The 130th Boston Marathon is set to kick off on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Brittany Torro

A 23-year-old Tewksbury native, military police officer in the National Guard, and 2025 Boston University graduate who is running her first Boston Marathon to support The James Gang.

James Anderson

The founder of The James Gang, an organization committed to inclusion opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Torro was introduced to Anderson in 2024 and the two have developed a close bond.

The James Gang

An organization committed to inclusion opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. The group is an official charity program of the 2026 Boston Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“Just watching the runners at that point just be at such a physical and mental low and then just run into their loved one's arms and they got a boost and they kept running, I was like, 'Wow. This is amazing.'”

— Brittany Torro, Military Police Officer, National Guard

“He is a part of my family. So running it for him and raising money for him, it truly gives me wings. If I don't feel like running or I don't feel like doing it today, I think of him.”

— Brittany Torro, Military Police Officer, National Guard

What’s next

Torro will be one of five runners representing The James Gang in the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Brittany Torro's personal connection to the cause she is running for and her inspiring journey to reach this milestone demonstrate the power of community support and the impact that individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to a meaningful purpose.