Lauren MacArthur

Showing Up, Mile After Mile

My name is Lauren MacArthur, and I’m running these 26.2 miles for a goal I’ve been working toward for a long time, and for a program I truly believe in.

I live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and I’m a middle school social studies teacher at Ellis School in Fremont. Teaching has taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the importance of showing up every day, even when things feel hard or uncertain. Running has reinforced those same lessons in a different way.

One of my goals for this marathon is to finish in under four hours. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that motivates me to train with intention and consistency. My favorite running event is the 1600 meter, where focus, grit, and pacing all come together, and I bring that same mindset into longer distances as well.

I don’t have a specific sports hero, but my mom inspires me to be a better person and runner every single day. Her support, encouragement, and example remind me why effort matters and why it’s always worth giving your best. When it’s time to get pumped up, you’ll almost always find Taylor Swift playing in my headphones, helping carry me through training miles and race-day nerves.

If I could give advice to someone new to running or to Special Olympics, it would be this: just show up and give it your all. It might look and feel different every day, but showing up is what matters most.

Running this marathon has been a long-time goal of mine, and getting to do it while supporting Special Olympics New Hampshire makes it even more meaningful. I’m so excited to be working with this program and standing behind athletes who show every day what determination, inclusion, and opportunity can achieve.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting a cause that turns effort, belief, and miles into lasting impact.