Rachel Hannah’s first marathon was the second fastest debut by a Canadian woman. Two months later, she won the bronze medal at the Toronto Pan American Games. Last year she recorded the fastest Canadian women’s marathon time with her 2:32:09, sixth place in Houston. Hannah has been national champion in the 10,000m, 10K, Half Marathon and Cross-Country. She competed at the 2013 and 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, finishing 58th and 25th respectively. A pivotal moment for her was change in standings at the Pan American Games. “A climax of the values I stand for was the change in results of the medal standings in the 2015 Pan American Games Marathon,” says Hannah. “On an extremely challenging day for racing a marathon, I ran my heart out to finish fourth, backed by immense Canadian crowd support. Three months later I learned that the winner had tested positive for a banned substance and the end result was me moving into the bronze medal position. This story was told nationally and beyond, and drug-free sport is something I advocate for with passion. I have been drug-tested many times and know that a level, clean playing field is the best moral approach for the global sports community.”

Hannah works as a registered dietitian and also volunteers at Medcan with the Power Project, a non-profit athletic mentorship program for underprivileged youth and high school teams in Greater Toronto. “Running is a very positive and important influence on my daily life; it helps me stay grounded and focused, and helps balance me in every way,” says Hannah. “I believe strongly in the long-term health benefits of physical activity and if you commit to it, it gives so much back and keeps on giving.” Hannah graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences in Nutrition. In high school, she competed in downhill and Nordic skiing before focusing on running. Hannah’s favorite band is 30 Seconds to Mars and favorite actor is Jared Leto. “By no coincidence at all,” she says.

“Boston is a city of courage, heart and unmatched spirit and I will be a part of that positive energy on race day and truly #BeBoston.”