At 2:30 AM in Kingston, Jamaica, while most people are fast asleep, Aileen Corrigan laces up her running shoes. By 3:00 AM, she’s on the road, running beneath a dark sky, chasing a dream that began decades ago. In April 2025, she will cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon—not just as a runner, but as a six-star finisher and champion for Special Olympics.

Running has always been a part of Aileen’s life. In high school, cross-country was her thing. But like many, life took over—work, family, responsibilities—and running faded into the background. Then, in 2002, while living in Ireland, a friend suggested they run the Dublin Marathon together. On a whim, Aileen agreed. That one decision reignited her passion for the sport and set her on a path that would take her across continents, leading her to some of the biggest marathons in the world.

From Dublin to New York, Tokyo to Berlin, Aileen embraced the challenge. Each race had its own story—some exhilarating, some grueling. In Tokyo, she ran just eight weeks after suffering a severe foot injury. In Berlin, she achieved a Boston qualifying time, only to have the standard change. But Aileen never backed down.

For the past 18 years, she has called Jamaica home, immersing herself in the local running community. Through the Jamdammers Running Club, she found not only a network of dedicated athletes but also a cause that deeply resonated with her: Special Olympics.

Together with the Jamdammers, Aileen has spent years fundraising for Special Olympics Jamaica, ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to compete. Not only does the running group Aileen is a part of support SO Jamaica, but as does her “day job.” Aileen is the Director of Group Business Transformation at Digicel, a Jamaican-based Caribbean mobile phone network and home entertainment provider. Digicel actively supports Special Olympics across multiple countries; which has led Aileen to seen firsthand the challenges Special Olympics athletes face—not just in competition, but in daily life. Access to training, facilities, and even basic resources is a constant struggle.

“One of the highlights was raising money for Special Olympics because, especially in our region, trying to get awareness and knowledge for people with special needs is extremely hard,” Aileen explained.

So, when she set her sights on the Boston Marathon, it wasn’t just about earning that final star—it was about making every step count. Running for Special Olympics Massachusetts was the perfect fit, allowing her to complete her personal goal while championing a cause she truly believed in.

Her Jamaican community has rallied behind her in a big way. From paint-and-sip fundraisers to runners’ nights that bring together Kingston’s major running groups, Aileen has found overwhelming support. It’s proof that when people see passion and purpose, they step up.

When Aileen stands at the starting line in Hopkinton, she won’t just be running for herself. She’ll be running for the athletes she’s met, for the supporters who have lifted her up, and for the friends she’s made along the way. And when she crosses that iconic finish line, earning her Abbott Six Star medal, it won’t just mark the end of a journey—it will be the completion of a full-circle moment.

“I think a lot of people, unfortunately, still have a really bad perception of special needs. They don’t see them as athletes… But the ironic thing is, we’re in sports, right? Like, we’re running, we’re all athletes. So being able to support another fellow athlete, to be able to help them achieve their accomplishments, to me, is tremendously rewarding,” Aileen said.

From a spontaneous marathon in Dublin to the world’s biggest races—Aileen’s journey proves that running is more than just miles on the road. It’s about community, perseverance, and using every step to lift others.

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