Diane Nukuri is a three-time Olympian for her native country of Burundi. In 2000, at the age of 15, she competed in the Sydney Olympics in the 5,000m. After running for Butler Community College and the University of Iowa, she ran her debut marathon in Chicago and set a national record. She has since lowered that record and established success across many disciplines. In 2012 she ran the marathon at the London Olympics and in 2016, she competed at the Rio Olympics in the 10,000m, where she set a national record of 31:28.69. Nukuri is also the national record holder in the 1,500m, 5,000m, 10K, and half marathon. She says a pivotal moment for her was finishing second at the 2013 New York City Half Marathon. “I got a surprise second place and I was in it to win it until the last 800 meters,” says Nukuri. “It was a breakthrough race for me and it changed me as a runner.” This will be Nukuri’s second Boston. “I ran the Boston Marathon in 2013, the year of the bombing,” says Nukuri. “It was an emotional and sad day for me and for everyone, but I love how everyone came together that day. I want to run Boston again and experience the joy of running instead of a heartbreak.”

After winning the bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2001 Francophone Games, Nukuri sought and was granted refugee status in Canada, because Burundi was in civil conflict and her father had died in the war. In college Nukuri ran for Butler Community College and the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications. At Iowa she set ten school records, won two Big Ten Championships in cross-country and the 5,000m and earned All-American status three times. She was honored to carry the Burundian flag at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Nukuri trains and lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, and likes to hike and run with friends on trails. She also likes fashion and hosting friends for meals at her home.

“Running has changed my life and how I view life. It’s one of the hardest things to do, but it teaches you so much about life. I have learned there is no easy life and no shortcuts. This is the same as everyday life: you have to work hard every single day but it’s always rewarding.”