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Simpsonville Today
By the People, for the People
South Carolina Nurse Runs Boston Marathon at 61 for MEB Foundation
Andrea Nwamarah is on a journey to earn her Sixth Star medal after taking up running at age 45.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Andrea Nwamarah, a 61-year-old registered nurse from Simpsonville, South Carolina, is running the Boston Marathon this year to raise money for the MEB Foundation, which supports healthy lifestyles and growth for youth. Nwamarah started running at age 45 after seeing others running on her commute to work and decided to give it a try, despite finding it more challenging than she expected. She is now on a journey to earn her Sixth Star medal by completing the Boston Marathon, which she considers the most prestigious and difficult marathon to gain entry to.
Why it matters
Nwamarah's story highlights the transformative power of running and how it can inspire people to take up the sport later in life. Her journey to the Boston Marathon at age 61 is an inspiration, showing that it's never too late to pursue new athletic goals. The MEB Foundation's work in promoting healthy lifestyles for youth also aligns with Nwamarah's own running journey and desire to give back.
The details
Nwamarah began running at age 45 after taking a "Walk to Run" class at her local YMCA. She distinctly remembers struggling during her first 5K race, asking a volunteer "How much further?" Undeterred, she registered for a half marathon and then trained for her first full marathon. Nwamarah is now on a quest to earn her Sixth Star medal by completing the Boston Marathon, which she considers the most prestigious and difficult marathon to gain entry to.
- Nwamarah took up running at around age 45.
- She is now 61 years old and running the 130th Boston Marathon.
The players
Andrea Nwamarah
A 61-year-old registered nurse from Simpsonville, South Carolina who took up running at age 45 and is now running the Boston Marathon to raise money for the MEB Foundation.
MEB Foundation
A foundation that encourages youth to engage in healthy lifestyles, academics, and leadership skills through running and sports.
What they’re saying
“While driving to work, I would see people running and always thought. 'That looks cool. Maybe I should give that a try.'”
— Andrea Nwamarah (boston.com)
“I am running Boston to give back a little of what I have received.”
— Andrea Nwamarah (boston.com)
What’s next
Nwamarah will compete in the 130th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2026, where she hopes to earn her Sixth Star medal.
The takeaway
Nwamarah's story shows that it's never too late to take up running and pursue athletic goals, no matter your age. Her journey from a "Walk to Run" class at 45 to the prestigious Boston Marathon at 61 is an inspiration, and her fundraising for the MEB Foundation aligns her personal running passion with a mission to promote healthy lifestyles for youth.
