Ghassemi to run for a greater purpose in Boston Marathon

CEBU, Philippines — For Cebuano sportsman,  entrepreneur and civic leader Afshin Ghassemi, a marathon has the power to unite humanity.

It gathers people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, abilities and many more. Herein lies its strength because despite the differences, the goal remains the same - to reach the finish line.

As runners unite in solidarity to achieve such objective, they show the world their resilience and indomitable spirit.

Running for charity even gives a deeper meaning to a marathon’s unifying force.

Driven by that ardent desire, Ghassemi, an accomplished multi-sport athlete, will be running the Boston Marathon 2025 for a greater purpose on April 21 (Tuesday, April 22 Philippine time).

Since September 2023, Ghassemi has successfully hurdled five major marathons in Berlin, Sydney, London, Chicago, and Tokyo.

That puts him one major marathon away from earning the prestigious Six Star Medal, which was introduced by the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2016 to honor the runners who complete the original six Major Marathons.

Sydney became the seventh Major in November last year, but the Six Star medal remains in place for the original six.

 “I could not imagine a more perfect ending to my Six Star journey. It will happen in the city of Boston. The city that gave me the courage to dream even bigger,” said Ghassemi as he looks forward to accomplishing what could be the biggest milestone in his athletic career.

But more than personal glory, Ghassemi will hit the road in his favorite US city for a noble goal.

“I’m running for the causes of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in pediatric cancer and emergency response,” said the president of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Alumni Association.

MGH, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, is dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare and advancing medical research.

“Join me in the fight against pediatric cancer. Every step you take helps fund life-saving treatments and groundbreaking research at Mass General for Children (MGfC), bringing hope to families and brighter tomorrows for children battling cancer.”

Yearning to turn ‘miles into miracles’, the 41-year-old Ghassemi is out to prove that endurance is not just about personal triumphs but about making a meaningful impact by inspiring others to act with compassion and a sense of purpose.