On April 20, Emily Berg, a resident of Related’s South End condo The Quinn, took on the Boston Marathon in support of Pine Street Inn, an organization located just across the street from The Quinn that provides critical services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston.
Emily’s race is also a tribute to Benjamin, a beloved Quinn doorman whose warmth, kindness, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on so many in the building. As she prepared for marathon day, Emily used the race as an opportunity to raise awareness and support for the important work Pine Street Inn carries out every day. We caught up with Emily before the marathon to hear more about her story, her training journey, and the meaningful inspiration behind this year’s race.
What inspired you to run the Boston Marathon this year?
EMILY BERG: I’ve run a couple of marathons before, but Boston has always felt special, especially living here. When the opportunity came up to run for Pine Street Inn, it felt like the perfect way to combine a personal challenge with supporting an organization that does so much good right in our neighborhood.
Why did you choose to support Pine Street Inn, and what does their mission mean to you, especially given its proximity to The Quinn?
EB: Pine Street Inn is literally across the street from us, so it’s something I see every day. They do incredible work right here in our community helping people experiencing homelessness find housing, stability, and dignity. Living so close to Pine Street has made me appreciate how important their services are to the amazing city we all call home.
What do you remember most about Benjamin, and why does honoring him through this race feel meaningful to you?
EB: Benjamin had this incredible warmth about him. He made everyone feel welcome and cared for. When I moved into the building during a difficult chapter in my life, he greeted me every day with kindness, encouragement, and the occasional hug or thoughtful surprise. After he passed, I came to appreciate even more the depth of his generosity and the impact he had on so many people. Running in his honor feels like a small way to celebrate the joy and compassion he shared with so many people here.
How has training been going, and what has surprised you most about the journey so far?
EB: Training has been going well, although my weekends are definitely looking a lot different these days! One thing that’s surprised me is how supportive people have been, whether it’s friends joining me for training runs, coworkers donating, or neighbors and The Quinn team cheering me on in the lobby.
Has this experience changed the way you think about resilience, community, or purpose?
EB: Absolutely. Running a marathon takes a lot of resilience and persistence, but this experience has also reminded me how powerful community can be. Seeing people come together to support Pine Street Inn and to remember Benjamin has been incredibly meaningful to me.
How can fellow Quinn owners and residents support your fundraising efforts?
if you feel moved to do so. Even small contributions make a big difference, and it’s a wonderful way to honor Benjamin while supporting the important work Pine Street Inn does every day.
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