Fueled by Family and Resilience, Iannacone ’28 Takes on Boston Marathon
For Christiano Iannacone ’28, running the Boston Marathon is more than a milestone—it’s the fulfillment of a promise he made to himself after witnessing the race’s darkest day as a child.
Iannacone is running this year’s race on April 20 for the Boston Children’s Hospital, and has so far raised more than $11,000 toward his $15,000 goal. He joins his father, Steven, who’s run more than 30 marathons around the world, and his brother, Nico, in running this year’s race, and the trio hopes to finish together.
For the Iannacones, running the Boston Marathon is deeply personal. Thirteen years ago, on the day of the Boston Marathon bombing, Iannacone was waiting near the finish line with his mother and brother while his father ran the race. He heard the bombs go off and remembers people running in the opposite direction of the blasts. Being so young, he didn’t fully understand what was happening. Like many runners that day, his father—who was at Mile 21—was instructed to turn around once the bombs struck.
“[That experience] taught us about what it means to be Boston Strong and resilient,” Iannacone said. “I knew one day that I’d run the race after that day.”
Now, as a member of Emerson’s cross country team, Iannacone earned NEWMAC All-Conference Academic honors this year and, during his marathon training, has benefited from coaching by cross country head coach Brandon Fox and assistant coach Oliver Glass. Iannacone is also training with the Boston Children’s Hospital team, which includes many experienced marathoners who provide guidance.
The School of Film, Television, and Media Arts major is also channeling his passion for social media, editing, and film to document his training, and has posted numerous running videos to his Instagram.
“I really want to be a storyteller. I can be an inspiration like the people who inspire me to run the Boston Marathon to help raise money that helps children live,” said Iannacone.
But his biggest inspiration remains his father, who has long encouraged his sons to run the Boston Marathon as Massachusetts natives. This will be Christiano’s second marathon with his father. The two previously ran the Vienna City Marathon together.
“He talks to me about his legacy. He’s always wanted to run the Boston Marathon with me. This is his favorite marathon. When my brother first ran it—he said that he can’t wait to see me run it—and see me at the finish line,” said Iannacone.
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