It wasn’t the first marathon for either of them but for two MGH Institute alumni, running the Boston Marathon was special. It not only brought Olivia Rotelle OTD ’22 and Abdulrahman Sabbagh, HPEd '20 back to the city where they went to graduate school, they were also raising money for the Institute’s Dr. Charles A. and Ann Sanders IMPACT Practice Center as the members of Team IHP.  

“Crossing the finish line in Boston was an unforgettable milestone — especially meaningful as it brought my running journey full circle,” said Sabbagh. Boston is where it all started for me, and completing my 18th marathon — and sixth World Marathon Major — right here was incredibly special. Inspired by the words on the official jacket, I can proudly say: ‘Boston is My Victory.’ I’m truly grateful for the chance to run with the Institute this year — and who knows, maybe there’s another Boston in my future.”

Rotelle was also running the Boston Marathon for the first time after running the New York, Berlin, and Chicago Marathons. 

“From toeing the start line in Hopkinton, to conquering the infamous Heartbreak Hill in Newton, turning right on Hereford and left on Boylston, and every single moment in between...the Boston marathon was absolutely incredible,” Rotelle. “I am so grateful for the IHP for giving me this opportunity. I had the time of my life running the Boston Marathon and I’m so proud to have completed my fourth world major representing and supporting the IHP. Can’t wait for the next one!”

Since 2011, Team IHP has raised over $180,000 to benefit scholarships, clinical care centers, and educational initiatives at the Institute, demonstrating the profound community impact driven by dedicated individuals like Rotelle and Sabbagh. They have each raised more than $8,000 this year and donations can still be made to their runs on Rotelle’s fundraising page and Sabbagh’s fundraising page. 

Read more about Sabbagh’s reasons for running and Rotelle’s decision to run in Boston.