A Watertown resident who had not been a runner until two years ago will be running the 2025 Boston Marathon and will raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Despina Najarian said she has always dreamed of completing a marathon, but only recently began running.
“I only started running 2 years ago at the age of 29. I joined Orangetheory Fitness Waltham in November of 2022,” she said. “It’s a HIIT studio where a portion of the class is spent running on the treadmill.”
In April 2023, Najarian ran her first 5K race, and then in 2024 she entered more races including the Boston Medley put together by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).
“After running the half-marathon, I realized I could most definitely run a full marathon. They say if you can run a half, you can run a full. I figured it was time I challenge myself and take the next step in my fitness journey,” she said. “When the BAA announced the official charity program for the 129th Boston Marathon, I knew exactly which charity I wanted to apply for. I applied to run for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.”
Over the years, Narajian has seen how Dana-Farber has helped friends and family members battle cancer, and as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team she hopes to raise awareness as well as money to support the organization’s work.
“Every step I take is dedicated to those who have fought, are fighting, and will fight cancer.
I am running in memory of my Yiayia, who bravely battled breast cancer. Her strength and
resilience inspire me every day, and I am committed to honoring her legacy by supporting the
fight against this disease,” Narajian said. “A close friend and coworker passed away recently from kidney cancer on Jan. 22, 2025. His name was Ryan, and he was only 37 years old. It’s not fair when a beautiful life is cut so short, and the pain can never be taken away, but I will continue to honor both people throughout my marathon journey and far beyond that.”
Her goal is to raise $14,000 for Dana-Farber.
“One hundred percent of every dollar raised by the DFMC team supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” Narajian said. “These funds are fueling some of today’s most promising basic cancer research.”
Narajian has created a fundraising page (https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?px=2564100&fr_id=2310&pg=personal), and she is planning to organize events. She is seeking donations from both people and donations or sponsorships from local businesses. Some companies will match donations, she added.
Supporters can also not only give money and suggestions for her running playlist.
“I created an Apple playlist where I asked people to donate $5 with a song recommendation that I
can add to my marathon playlist. This is the playlist I will listen to when running the Boston
Marathon. I am still looking to add songs to my playlist!” she said.
Narajian grew up in Watertown, and attended Hosmer Elementary School, Watertown Middle School, and graduated from Watertown High School in 2011.
“I love Watertown mainly because it is closely tied to my Greek and Armenian roots. If I ever feel out of touch with who I am, Watertown makes me feel at home,” she said.
She is a certified veterinary technician and works at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Waltham. She has also volunteered for causes involving animals.
“I have dedicated my time to volunteering on Native American reservations, working with animals, and supporting the local communities,” she said. “This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of compassionate care and the impact of giving back. I believe that the values I have cultivated through this volunteer work align closely with the mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.”