Readers Say

Jimmy Hayes’ legacy inspired this Lynnfield resident to run Boston

"He struggled like we did, persevered like we did, was fiercely loyal like we were, and ultimately made our small community a better place."

March 14, 2022

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Josh Allen
Age: 42
Town: Lynnfield

We always remember those who are selfless. The ones who gave to those around them before they gave to themselves. The ones who cared about strangers. The ones who lit up a room. People like Jimmy Hayes.

I am fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to run the 126th Boston Marathon on behalf of the Hayes family and The 11 Fund.

My connection to Jimmy comes through a number of one-degree-removed friendships across different spectrums, people I’ve worked with, people I’ve been friends with for years, and people who were teammates with Jimmy.

For those of us who grew up playing hockey in the Boston area, Jimmy was familiar. One of the boys who did what all of us wanted to do growing up around Boston. He struggled like we did, persevered like we did, was fiercely loyal like we were, and ultimately made our small community a better place. He was a blue collar Boston-Irish kid. I can identify strongly with how that cloth is cut.

Jimmy was known for his want to give back — especially to the kids. Whether it was trips to the hospital, popping in to catch the kids at a youth hockey game, or playing with a teammate’s kids, he could light them all up.

To honor no. 11’s legacy by raising money for local kids to go to the same school that he and his siblings called home is the ultimate tribute to Jimmy “Broadway” Hayes. My goal is to raise $10k to honor no. 11 and the entire Hayes family by helping underprivileged kids get a chance to attend the Saint John Paul School in Dorchester that they couldn’t otherwise afford.

That’s what Jimmy would want.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.