Marathoners are a different breed of person. They don’t shy away from challenges and seem to run toward fear, instead of away from it. Maybe we have something to learn from the three runners on the first-ever AKF Run Team. The challenge of running 26.2 miles and raising $10,000 each for a charity would be daunting to most people. Instead, those challenges just get the three members of AKF Run Team stoked.

On April 21, Richard Prevost, Amira Valliani, and Sulfyna Murji will be headed to Boston as the inaugural AKF Run Team to run the Boston Marathon with 36,000 other runners. Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) and volunteer coach Nargis Solis, a three-time Iron Man competitor and marathon runner in her own right, are supporting the three runners through training for the race and fundraising for projects that reduce poverty in Africa and Asia. We’re excited for this great opportunity to support our runners and represent our work at this national event.

Running is often seen as an individual sport, but in this case, we’re working together as a team to show commitment to training, AKF USA’s work, fundraising, and a drive to make the world a better place.

Each member of the AKF Run Team has a personal reason for running and has committed to raising at least $10,000 for AKF USA’s programs. Here, the AKF Run Team members reflect on what motivates them:

Sulfyna: The Boston Marathon is one of those iconic races that every runner wants to do sometime in his or her life. After the tragedy of last year, I wasn’t sure if it would ever happen for me. Being part of this year’s race is my way of choosing courage and compassion over fear and extremism. For me as a Muslim woman, having the opportunity to run the 2014 Boston Marathon and raise funds for Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. has great personal significance. Aga Khan Foundation programs represent hope and possibility for so many people around the world. The work they do changes the trajectory of people’s lives.

Richard: I ran in college at M.I.T., and while living in Boston I cheered on the marathon from the sidelines. To me, the Boston Marathon has always been a day of camaraderie. Last year two people tried to turn the event into something divisive. I am so grateful that Aga Khan Foundation gives me an opportunity to be part of the community’s response. Running for Aga Khan Foundation embodies the commitment to peace and community that the Boston Marathon has always meant.

Amira: I ran my first marathon in October 2012. Twenty-two months before that, I could barely run a mile. Running has taught me that with the combination of discipline, dreams, and shoes, I can do anything. Running the 2014 Boston Marathon for the Aga Khan Foundation is my chance to redefine what I’m capable of accomplishing, and to redefine my relationship to various communities that I belong to. The Islamic principles that I learned growing up make me a more thoughtful public servant, a more compassionate American, and a more driven runner. The Aga Khan Foundation is nondenominational, but its founding principles are ones I learned growing up: the importance of embracing diversity in building stronger communities, showing compassion towards others, and giving back to our fellow man and woman – no matter what their background.

Here at AKF USA we love our runners and want to share with you their incredible stories and accomplishments as we get closer to race day. Stay tuned for more as we spotlight each runner over the next several weeks. And don’t forget, they need your support! Be sure to check out their CrowdRise page and show a little love this Valentine’s Day!
Meaning behind the 2014 Boston Marathon Logos

As we turn our sights to the road ahead, and to the 2014 Boston Marathon, we will always remember those who were lost, and all those whose lives were forever changed by the tragic events of April 15, 2013. We are inspired by the strength and courage of all those affected, by the heroics of the first responders and caregivers, and by the countless acts of selflessness throughout our community. This graphic symbol was designed to represent that memory and that commitment.

The two lines inside the heart symbolized a road moving forward together, with all the aforementioned always remaining in our hearts.