Laura König prepares to run the 129th Boston Marathon
Visiting graduate student Laura König reflects on motivations for running and fundraising. 
By Leo Pedrelli | March 24, 2025
For someone who has often used running as a meditative experience, Laura König’s foray into competitive racing has allowed her to forge new connections with other individuals, the wider running community, and the city of Boston itself. Two years ago, the revelry of finishing her first race motivated Laura to push and improve herself and the community around her. As Laura gears up to run the 129th Boston Marathon this April, she reflects on what running means to her individually and on a communal level.
“I started running races only two years ago when a couple of friends (including Allison Maier at the LSP - big shoutout) convinced me to get up early on a Sunday to run the Cambridge Half Marathon.”
While running has always served as a way for Laura to clear her head and reconnect with herself on an individual level, finding a competitive outlet has taken her connection to running to new places. What was once a tool to help process difficult emotions, spur creativity, and make decisions has become a nexus of community growth and offered balance and progress to Laura in new ways. Laura finds she 'always reaches new heights and personal records during races.’ The excitement of new records and medals, and the reward of crossing the finish line keeps Laura racing, but the real prize is the community she has found in the sport and the ever-developing connection she has to it.
“For the Boston Marathon, my goal is not to set a personal record but to enjoy connecting with my city in this extraordinary way. I’ve known the streets of Boston and the suburbs for a while now, but to run them all, while being cheered on by the community that makes Boston my home makes me emotional just to think about.”
Some may see Boston as cold and grumpy, overlooking the vibrant and passionate population. As a German transplant, Laura saw parts of her own community reflected here and quickly recognized Boston for its best parts. Here she has found a new home that deeply values community and shares her competitive spirit and desire for personal growth. Ever since, her love for the fierce city has blossomed. These qualities inspire Laura, who sees it as ‘an honor and privilege’ to run the Marathon alongside ‘a city of athletes and competitors;’ it helps inspire her to be her best self on the course or in the lab. This motivation for improvement extends beyond just Laura herself, as her fundraising efforts to support and invest in her community is as important an aspect of the Marathon as the race itself. For this year's race, Laura is fundraising for ‘The Fenway Alliance’ a non-profit organization that works to provide resources to foster art in culture within her favorite Boston neighborhood, Fenway. The partnership is a wonderful reminder of the power of personal and community growth and the city-wide impact of the marathon. Congratulations to Laura on her amazing accomplishment, and good luck racing!
To find more information, donate, and hear about Laura’s experiences first-hand on her GivenGain fundraising page. Laura will also host a fundraising event on March 28th at 6 PM EST at The Puddingstone Tavern.