Westford Resident Runs as part of the YMCA's Boston Marathon Team

WESTFORD, Mass. | Mohaan Raaj, 43, of Westford, will take on his first Boston Marathon, raising funds as part of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s marathon team.

Having already competed in two full marathons, and two half marathons in the last year, Raaj is preparing himself to conquer yet another challenging race. However, it is his motivation behind this upcoming run that makes his story all the more inspirational.

Raaj’s story began three-and-a-half years ago when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was told by his doctor he had to change his lifestyle. Refusing medication, Raaj insisted that his doctor allow him six months to completely turn his life around. Although overcoming this obstacle has not been easy, Raaj has turned to running as his medicine. He also changed his eating habits by cutting out sugar and carbohydrates.

Three years after his diagnosis, Raaj has discovered a passion for running and remained off medication. “When you run, you learn about your own body and discover new things about yourself,” says Raaj. His illness has showed him how much of an impact lifestyle changes, such as exercising and developing healthy eating habits, are to his health.

Although he is running in the Boston Marathon to maintain a healthy lifestyle, he’s also doing it to raise money for the Y to further its mission helping others live longer, healthier lives. With his fundraising efforts in place, Raaj has realized that he can do something to make a difference. He chose to run for the Y because he believes that the organization successfully helps youth develop positive values, build self-esteem, and educate them about healthy living and activities. Born and raised in India, Raaj is able to see firsthand how fortunate the Greater Boston Area is to have such programs to help children. “There is a large population of underprivileged children where I come from, and being able to see the difference and impact the Y has on the Greater Boston area is unbelievable,” says Raaj.

Hand-in-hand with the mission on the Y, Raaj also hopes to influence younger generations to make healthier lifestyle choices. Running an average of up to five times a week, Raaj will invite his ten-year-old son, Kirish, to run or bike alongside him for a few miles. Influenced by Raaj, his son has already participated in several 5Ks and often times is able to teach his father a few things such as new ways to stretch his body after a run.

The Boston Marathon is the first step he is going to take in order to bring awareness to diabetes, the YMCA, and to provide support and activities to children and teens. “I want to use this prestigious running event to attract more people to make financial contributions toward a good cause,” says Raaj.

Raaj, who is passionate about providing positive outlets and activities for teens, hopes to raise $10,000. All funds raised by Y Marathon team members will support the YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programs. This past year the YMCA of Greater Boston handed out more than 11,000 free three-month memberships to teens at the YMCA of Greater Boston’s 13 branches with unlimited access. Most (almost all) teen programs that the YMCA offers are free and open to the community. Programs like Safe Dating and Cyber Bulling have also become staples at the Y, giving more than 1,000 teens the skills they need to make proper decisions.

“YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programming is an invaluable resource for the youth of our city, keeping them off the streets, out of trouble, and engaged in productive and educational activities,” says Kelley Rice, spokesperson for the YMCA of Greater Boston. “Those too young to work, but too old for camp, can take part in safe, social activities with their peers, build their leadership skills and ultimately help shape Boston’s future.”

For more information on how qualified runners with bibs can join the Y team and raise a minimum of $1,500, email ymarathonteam@ymcaboston.org. To learn more about Y marathon runners and how to support their fundraising efforts for the Y, visit ymcaboston.org/ymarathonteam. #YRun

Photo Credit: Ken Shelton Photography

###