For many, running in the Boston Marathon is a tradition. For some, it is a life-long dream — something they could cross off their bucket list. For others, it is a serious competition that they have trained the entire year for.
But on Monday, April 21, when runners take their mark, the marathon will be more than a tradition or a goal, it will represent something larger. It will be the first running since the bombings last year, and more than 10,000 additional participants are expected to take part this year, making it one of the largest Boston Marathons ever.
In honor of the victims — including former University of Massachusetts Boston Student Krystle Campbell — who were affected by the tragedy that shook Boston during last year’s marathon, the UMass system has started the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund and plans on raising money for the scholarship through the marathon.
“The bombing really affected the marathon directly, and being able to come back a year later, in that same marathon with a totally different message, with a totally different sense of community and a stronger sense of community, I think is a great thing to come by,” Student Trustee Nolan O’Brien said.
“It’s a heartfelt movement. We’re recognizing the tragedy and the lives that were lost last year, but we’re also celebrating life, celebrating community.”
According to O’Brien, who worked with Trustees from the other UMass campuses on fundraising for the team, the idea of starting the Campbell fund started last year by Board of Trustees member Richard Campbell, who has no relation to Krystle.
“[Richard Campbell] was very moved by [Krystle’s] story in particular. They both grew up in Medford, she was a UMass Boston student at one point, and he graduated from UMass Boston,” O’Brien said.
“[He] and his wife contribute $300,000 to a scholarship that was repurposed for a Krystle Campbell Scholarship and that was announced at last year’s graduation commencement ceremony.”
From there, O’Brien, who became student trustee during the summer, sat down with his fellow student trustees from the other UMass campuses, along with Campbell, to discuss a larger project.
“He approached us about trying to work on a bunch of projects to commemorate the Boston Marathon bombing, and its effects on this city, as well as its effects on the community,” O’Brien said.
During the 118th marathon, each of the University of Massachusetts campuses (Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell and Amherst) will select one student runner to be part of the 14-member “Run for Krystle Marathon Team.” UMass Boston selected the School for the Environment graduate student, Matthew Conlon, who has run in the marathon previously, to represent the Beacons.
According to O’Brien, the scholarship will be aimed towards UMass Boston management students in the name of Krystle Campbell.
When the runners approach their starting positions, they won’t be representing themselves, they’ll be representing the community.
“UMass was very affected, I think, by the tragedy last year,” O’Brien said. “We’re trying to promote a sense of community and unity this year. “
So far, the Krystle Campbell Marathon Team has raised over $28,000 for her memorial scholarship fund, and that number is rising. 
Each stride, each breath, will be for the Boston community. While UMass was noticeably affected by last year’s tragedy, collaborating with other campuses shows a sense of togetherness. That no matter what, no tragedy can break us, and regardless of the situation, we will always remain, Boston strong.
To donate to Matthew Conlon’s fundraiser, go to http://www.crowdrise.com/UMAFoundation2014bostonmarathon/fundraiser/MatthewConlon
For more information on the team, go to http://www.crowdrise.com/umafoundation2014bostonmarathon/fundraiser/MatthewConlon