This April, Yahni will take on the Boston Marathon not only as a test of endurance, but as a deeply personal tribute to survivors of domestic violence. Her run is a powerful reminder that healing, safety, and hope are possible and she’s determined to give others the same chance she once had. Every dollar she raises for The Second Step will go directly toward helping survivors build new beginnings, find support, and thrive in safe and supportive communities.
We invite you to join Yahni in making a meaningful impact. Your support isn’t just a donation – it’s a lifeline, a message of solidarity, and a step toward a future where every survivor has the resources they need to heal.
Read more about Yahni’s inspiring journey below, and help her cross both the finish line and her fundraising goal. Together, we can transform lives.
What inspired you to run the Boston Marathon on behalf of The Second Step, and what does our mission mean to you personally?
Running the 2026 Boston Marathon for The Second Step is a tremendous honor. At age 4, I became unhoused because of domestic violence, and my mom made the courageous decision to move into the women’s shelter at The Second Step. I spent a little under a year there but learned so much about what it is to live in a supportive community. My time there also sparked my love for sport, as every Friday afternoon, I got to swim at the local YMCA as part of the therapeutic group created for the kids in the shelter to have a space to play and be kids. I went from swimming, to soccer, to running, and I’ve been running ever since. Running Boston on behalf of The Second Step is my ‘thank you’ letter to them and the incredible support they have given my family and I to succeed and thrive despite enduring adversity.
Training for a marathon is a huge commitment – what has your training journey looked like so far, and what keeps you motivated on the hard days?
My training journey to Boston has been steady and consistent. I just recently ran my first half marathon (Cambridge Half) to begin preparing for the full 26.2. Previously, I ran track and field all through high school and was recruited to run at Brandeis as a 400-meter hurdler. Running has always been a part of my life, and I am excited to transition over to more long distance running and take on the challenge of the marathon. It is a privilege to run Boston, and that is one of my many motivations to stay consistent in my training.
Fundraising $12,000 is no small task. How are you approaching your fundraising efforts, and what would you like supporters to know about why their contribution matters?
My fundraising efforts are not possible without your generous support! I hope that my story coming from the shelter to running the historic Boston Marathon is a testament to the amazing support given by The Second Step lifts up survivors of domestic violence and individuals who have endured adversity. By donating, you are positively changing a mother’s life to support her family, allow her to thrive, and to dream big, just like my mom and me.
Is there a particular moment, person, or story that fuels your dedication to this cause or this run?
If you haven’t guessed it already, my mom is my motivation and my dedication to running Boston for The Second Step. I’m raising money and running for every sacrifice she made to get us to where we are today. I am dedicating my run to her, to every woman and mother in the shelter, and to every woman that was not allowed to run the Boston Marathon before 1972. This journey isn’t just mine, and I am proud to represent the continued fight.
What are you most looking forward to on race day, and what do you hope people take away from your story?
I am most looking forward to being a part of such a historic holiday/event/celebration in Massachusetts and most importantly having fun while doing it. I always wished that one day, I would be one of those runners on Comm Ave, and that wish came true thanks to The Second Step. I thank you for your time and consideration in helping me reach my fundraising goal for this amazing organization that has done so much for me as a person, student, and runner. I hope you take away from my story that the adversities we endure do not define the successes we will achieve.
Anything else that you would like to share?
This is my first Boston!