Boston Marathon Profile: Howard Weinstein

NEWTON, MA - When Howard Weinstein first ran in the Boston Marathon 25 years ago, it was to prove to himself that he could do it.

But his mission has since changed.

Weinstein, a pediatric cancer doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital, formed the "Mass General Marathon Team...Fighting Kids’ Cancer, One Step at a Time" group in 1998 after seven years of running to raise money for cancer care at Dana Farber.

Through the team runners are matched with a child undergoing cancer treatment, called a "patient-partner." At an annual dinner the members present their patient-partners with a medal engraved with each child's name, crafted by the same company that makes the Boston Marathon medals.

"It's a lovely, emotional ceremony," Weinstein said. "It's really what keeps me going."

Click to donate to "Mass General Marathon Team...Fighting Kids' Cancer, One Step at a Time"

Weinstein told Patch that due to chronic injuries incurred throughout the past 25 years, he may soon have to retire from the marathon.

Though his best time was 3 hours and 55 minutes, he said he has been finishing above five hours the past few years.

"Not surprisingly my times have slowed down dramatically," Weinstein said.

But when he hangs up the bib, Weinstein intends to remain with the team, which he estimates has raised $11 million since its inception.

So far this year, the 105 members of the team have generated more than $800,000 in donations and are on track to break $1 million.

And despite being concerned about injuries, Weinstein is determined to complete this year's marathon.

"I'm a little bit anxious about how I'm going to feel, but I will finish," Weinstein said. "My goal is to smile as I cross the finish line."

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