CBS Boston Runners In The 118th Boston Marathon

CBS Boston is proud to have eight runners taking part in 2014's 118th running of the Boston Marathon.

Watch: Dave Andelman, Eric Fisher & Kennedy Elsey Discuss Why They're Running

DAVE ANDELMAN, Phantom Gourmet
My pop started on Boston radio in 1969. I was born in Boston. I own a home and a business and stage events here. I was at Forum when the bombs went off. I knew a woman who lost a leg and a woman who lost her life. To show terrorists worldwide that their savage actions will never deter the American way of life, I'm running the 2014 Boston Marathon. Because Greg Hill is a great friend, and I appreciate what his charity does, I'm running for the Greg Hill Foundation. I hope to party with you all in the Back Bay after I cross the finish line. Dave's Fundraising Site

JENNIFER BOUSQUET, Sr. Account Executive, CBS Radio/WBZ-AM
I am running for the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. This will be my 4th Marathon overall and my 3rd Boston Marathon. It's been 15 years since my last marathon and I was motivated by all that transpired last year to run. I feel that anyone running this year is truly making a strong statement and I wanted to be a part of it. Jennifer's Fundraising Site

PAUL BURTON, WBZ-TV News Reporter
This year will mark my 10th Boston Marathon. On Marathon Monday, I will once again lay down some flowers at my father's resting place. I will say a prayer and shed some tears as I think of his life, legacy and love. Ron Burton Sr. is my inspiration of why I run the Boston Marathon every year. My dad's legacy could be summed up in one word; LOVE. I run on behalf of his legacy and help raise money for the Ron Burton Training Village. I am forever grateful to God that none of the Burtons or RBTV campers and family members was injured from this unimaginable attack. We continue to pray for all the victims and their families who suffered physical harm and loss. The Ron Burton Training Village stands together with an even greater sense of faith and determination to advance our mission of love, peace, patience and humility in a world that is in such great need of ach. Selflessness. Service. Strength. Support. This time we all will finish our race. Paul's Fundraising Site

KENNEDY ELSEY, Karson and Kennedy on Mix 104.1
This is my third year running for Boston Children's Hospital and this year, I'm crossing the finish line. Period. I don't care how long it takes, it's going to happen. I'm doing it for Children's; I'm doing it for Sara and Emily Crowley, and I'm doing it for my city. It's going to be an incredible Boston Marathon and I'm so honored to be running it again. And this year, I've given myself a huge goal of raising $10,401! All this money goes to Boston Children's Hospital and the amazing work they do for kids here in New England and around the world. I am sure you know someone who has had a life touched by the truly gifted doctors, nurses and staff here. At the end of the day, money talks and money makes the hospital continue to do good work - so for my intents and purposes - money runs. And I need your help. Kennedy's Fundraising Site

ERIC FISHER, WBZ-TV News Chief Meteorologist
This will be my first Boston Marathon, and it's probably safe to say it will be an incredible way to join the tradition. I've never been able to absorb the event from start to finish, and can't even begin to imagine what an emotional and unique day this is going to be. I'm running for a couple reasons. The first is that my wife has turned me into quite a novice runner over the years, and any runner can tell you it starts to become a little contagious! But I'm also running to raise funds for a scholarship program I started last year. My Father, Paul Fisher, passed away quite unexpectedly and at a young age early in 2013. To help produce some positive feelings after the sadness of his passing, I started the fund for Massachusetts students going into fields he loved (horticulture, agriculture, and visual arts). I know he would have gotten a lot of enjoyment being on the sidelines for this one, and of course he will be with me in spirit. Eric's Fundraising Site

NIA ASHBY GREEN, WBZ-TV News Producer
I applied to run the 2013 Boston Marathon for Boston Children's Hospital as a way to give back to my community. Little did I know – the experience would be one of the most rewarding, inspiring and challenging of my life. After months of training, I was just over five miles into last year's race when I swore I would never again consider going 26.2 miles. I was going to finish the race and never look back. Then there was tragedy on Boylston Street. I, along with thousands of other runners, was stopped at mile 25.5. My gut reaction was simple – I was going to run the race in 2014 – no matter what. I wanted to take a stand and show the cowards behind the devastation – you can't hold Boston down. We are stronger than you could ever imagine.

So this year I'm once again lacing up my sneakers and heading to Hopkinton. I'm raising money to help Boston Children's – which played a critical role in last year's response – helping some of the youngest patients. I'm grateful to the BAA for allowing those of us who were stopped – to have a chance to finish the race. Because we are…Boston Strong. Nia's Fundraising Site

BILL RITCHOTTE, Senior Producer /Designer WBZ-TV/myTV38
As a charity runner during last year's Boston Marathon, I was one of the thousands left on the course when the bombs exploded. Like everyone who ran, cheered, or knew someone running, I was profoundly affected by the events that day. So when the Boston Athletic Association decided to invite all of us back to finish what we started, I was relieved. Though it meant another winter of training in the brutal cold, snow and ice, the opportunity to run again, and raise money For Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program has been an amazing privilege. So I'm running for those of us who did not finish last year, for the people we lost, the people injured, the people who ran to the danger, the causes we believe in and the city that we love. Bill's Fundraising Site

PHIL VAUGHN, WBZ-TV News Videographer/Editor
I'm running the Boston Marathon this year with a camera to provide our viewers with a runner's perspective along the course. The Boston Marathon is a special event that brings together people from Hopkinton to Copley Square to celebrate a tradition, the day and the event. This year's "Boston" will show the world how much this race means to the people who take part in it, whether as participants or spectators. I run this year's race for the fallen and the wounded - you'll be with me from start to finish.