42 Days Until Boston: Training, Fundraising, Gratitude, and a Supporter Wall

42 days from now, I'll be standing at the start line of the Boston Marathon.

It's insane to think that this date is right around the corner. It has been an incredible last couple months training for this historic event.

This year I am running the 2026 Boston Marathon while fundraising for the Victoria McGrath Foundation. This organization was created to honor the life and legacy of Victoria McGrath. Victoria was an incredibly kind, compassionate, and selfless person. The foundation continues Victoria's example in helping children and families with special needs.

I still find myself in awe to have this opportunity of not only running Boston but being able to run it in support of this cause.

Fundraising Update

So far, I have raised $3,771 toward my $8,000 goal.

I am incredibly grateful for every single person who has supported this journey so far. Every donation, message, and word of encouragement has inspired me more than you know.

With 42 days until race day, I still have $4,229 left to raise, and I'm officially entering the final stretch of fundraising.

A Huge Thank You to My Super Bowl Squares Supporters

One of the most fun parts of my fundraising journey so far was hosting Super Bowl squares during the Super Bowl this year. What started as a simple idea, quickly turned into the biggest boost yet of my fundraising.

Thank you so much to everyone who bought a square and shared the fundraiser with others! Your participation in this helped make a huge impact and move me closer to my $8,000 goal.

I was also incredibly lucky that two of the winners were my mom and my sister, Kendall. Each of them won one of the quarters and chose to donate their winnings back to my fundraising. It was such a generous and selfless gesture and I'm so grateful for their support throughout this entire journey.

Ways You Can Help

As race day draws near, there are a few ways you can support this journey:

• Make a donation toward my fundraising goal in one of the following ways:

✔️ Venmo 

✔️ The Victoria McGrath Foundation website (just be sure to include my name!) 

✔️ Zelle (+1-847-715-6995)

• Share my fundraiser with friends or family

• Follow along with training updates- you can follow me on Instagram @nikineumann or TikTok @nikineumann4

Also, I am still doing my Boston Fundraising Incentives! If you have not received yours yet, do not worry, I am working my way through the list and will get to you very soon. Thank you so much for all of the support and love, I am so grateful for everyone.

My Boston Support Wall

One of the most special parts of this journey has been seeing the incredible generosity of my community. I would not be able to do this without the people who have already stepped up to support the cause.

Thank you so much to the amazing supporters who have donated so far! This includes everyone who donated directly as well as those who supported through my Super Bowl squares fundraiser.

Looking Ahead

With 42 days to go, the countdown to Boston has officially begun.

Although I'm still many miles from the starting line and only halfway to my fundraising goal, ’m feeling incredibly grateful for the support that has already carried me this far.

Thank you for being part of this journey!