Emily Berg Runs Boston Marathon to Honor Late Doorman for Pine Street Inn

South End resident Emily Berg is participating in the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, as part of a team supporting the Pine Street Inn. Berg is running the race to honor the memory of her former doorman, Benjamin, who had previously been a resident of the Pine Street Inn shelter.

Berg, who is completing her third marathon, developed a close relationship with Benjamin after moving into her apartment during a difficult period of her life. The two became friends through shared interests in house plants, and work. Their bond strengthened during Berg’s 30th birthday, when she discovered that Benjamin’s mother shared her name and birthday.

Berg described Benjamin as a positive force and a grandfather figure who looked out for her. Following his death slightly more than one year prior to the 2026 race, Berg learned that Benjamin had spent time at the Pine Street Inn shelter.

The discovery of Benjamin’s history with the organization inspired Berg to support the Pine Street Inn, as she sought a way to honor his kindness and generosity. She noted the impact the organization played in helping Benjamin reach a positive place in his life.

Supporting the Pine Street Inn

The Pine Street Inn is an organization dedicated to ending homelessness. Berg is among several local residents running the marathon to raise funds and awareness for the shelter’s mission of transitioning individuals from the streets and shelters into permanent homes.

Another participant in the race is Lauren Cronin, a Beacon Hill resident and the Associate Director of Workforce Development for the Pine Street Inn. Cronin stated that running for the organization is a dream come true and that it is an honor to raise money to help individuals secure housing.

I’ve seen its impact firsthand — but my connection is deeply personal. A friend of mine, whose warmth, encouragement, and kindness carried me through a challenging time, was a Pine Street resident. Running for Pine Street is my way of honoring his memory and supporting the organization that helped him touch so many lives

Emily Berg

Supporters and those interested in learning more about the runners can visit the organization’s dedicated Boston Marathon page at pinestreetinn.org/bostonmarathon.