On April 15, Macey Auger woke up feeling unusual calmness considering she would soon be running the 2024 Boston Marathon. Little did she know that calmness would soon turn into high anxiety as she embarked on her 26.2-mile journey advocating for inclusion.

At the pre-race festivities, she experienced a mix of emotions as she was struck by the overwhelming support from the city of Boston. As the race began, Macey “felt good” and ran the first few miles with confidence; but around the 5-mile mark she felt a sudden pop in her knee and instantly fell to the ground.

“I knew that this was not something that I am used to. This is not a pain that I have ever had. It was completely out of the norm,” she said.

After months of training for this exact moment, Macey refused to quit after only making it 5 miles.

“Immediately I knew this was not going be the end," explained Macey. “I knew right away they were going to tell me I could not finish. I always heard that if a medic must come on to touch you, you can't finish the race.”

Thanks to her quick thinking and determination, Macey somehow mustered up the courage to continue her journey to the Boston Marathon finish line.  

“I asked for a Tylenol and when the medic got up to get it, I left to keep running,” she explained.

Still having over 20 miles to go, Macey felt fueled by the encouragement of the crowds and her loved ones back home.

“My students were texting me because they were watching the tracker,” said Macey. “I told myself I HAVE to finish for them!”  

From that point onward, every step became increasingly challenging for Macey, especially as she navigated the tough hills of Newton. Macey was no longer traceable on the Boston Athletic Association app, worrying her loved ones. Spectators began to fear the worst, but Macey steadily pushed toward the finish.

Despite the excruciating pain and a run time goal that went out the window, Macey was determined to return home with the 2024 Boston Marathon medal around her neck. She finally approached the final stretch to the finish line after 7 hours of pain and exhaustion. The cheering crowds distracted her from the knee pain, and she soaked in the moment as she crossed the finish line, reflecting her resilience and strength.

The moment after she stepped over the finish line, reality set in and the pain in her knee instantly returned; and it was then that Macey decided to finally seek medical attention.  

What did she find out? She has a potential meniscus tear which may need to be surgically corrected. It’s hard to imagine running 26.2 miles in general—but running 26.2 miles with a torn meniscus seems truly unfathomable. Although she may need to take a short-term break from running while she recovers, Macey noted that every moment of struggle and pain was well worth it.  

According to Macey, she has Special Olympics Massachusetts to thank for making her first Boston so memorable.  

“I actually got my bib numbers tattooed on me, so it will always be important to me,” she said.

Macey spends her time as a Special Education teacher in Oakville, Ontario and has a close bond with her sister, who is diagnosed with Autism. As a long-time committed runner and inclusion advocate, Macey recognized that there was no charity more fitting to support than Special Olympics Massachusetts.  

“I just want people to run a marathon! But do it with purpose," said Macey. "Don't just run a marathon... do it to benefit. “

So, what happens next for Macey? Despite the setback, Macey remains determined to return stronger, setting her sights on returning to run the Boston Marathon with Special Olympics MA Xtra Mile in 2026. 

“I'm determined. I will be back,” she said.

‍