Derry man runs from NYC to Boston in honor of friend
DERRY, N.H. —
A Derry man recently accomplished an incredible feat in honor of his friend who died by suicide.
Tom Hanlon started running in New York City’s Times Square, and he kept going until he reached the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street just 74 hours later.
“Just to cross there felt so relieving and overwhelming,” Hanlon said.
Hanlon only slept six hours during the course of his 244-mile run. That’s the equivalent of nine consecutive marathons.
“Sleeping on park benches, sleeping in the sidewalks of New Haven,” Hanlon said.
Hanlon ran track and field at Pinkerton Academy and has done marathons and ultra marathons before, but nothing like this.
Ten years ago, Hanlon lost his best friend, Jason Flood, to suicide. Jason was 18 years old.
“Jason and I were like best friends growing up. Middle school, high school,” Hanlon said.
Jason was a bright student. He was an athlete and musician who was loved by his family and friends.
Hanlon wants to keep Jason’s memory alive. Through his run from New York to Boston, Hanlon raised $13,000 for the Jason R. Flood Memorial.
“I think at the end of the day, what I really wanted to do with this was spread joy and raise money for a cause that’s really important. Mental health affects a lot of people,” Hanlon said.
Jason’s legacy lives on every year at Pizzastock, a family-friendly music festival that raises awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Jason’s parents, Danielle and Doug, say Hanlon’s run is symbolic of the greater goal.
“The ability for him to push himself is the goal we try to get everyone struggling with mental health issues to understand that they are stronger than they think, and they can find the end goal if they’re willing to work hard,” Doug said.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988.