Reposted from our friends at WindConductor.org
The Boston Marathon is often regarded as the pinnacle of endurance racing—one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. With over 500,000 spectators and runners from every corner of the globe, the event captures the spirit of determination, discipline, and personal purpose.
Recently, Boston.com asked participants of the 129th Boston Marathon a simple yet powerful question: Why are you running?
– For Ryan Briscoe, a 43-year-old from Sydney, Australia and a former professional race car driver, the answer was about persistence. After two unsuccessful attempts to enter the historic race, this was his moment to finally cross that start line and chase a personal goal.
– Claire Coughlin, a 28-year-old from New York City, is running for redemption. After qualifying for Boston in 2023 but withdrawing due to injury, Boston 2025 is her chance to come back stronger—proof that setbacks can fuel comebacks.
– Michelle Dvorak, 59, a fifth-grade teacher from Oak Lawn, Illinois, is running for a cause. Representing Good Sports, she sees firsthand how athletics empower her students. The shyest students find confidence and community through sports—and in many ways, that mirrors the power of the band room.
– Sanjana Chandak, a 39-year-old senior vice president at Bank of America and a mother of two, is running for Cradles to Crayons. With a life filled with spreadsheets and to-do lists, her race is about purpose and giving back.
Each runner had a different story. None of them were racing for the trophy. Their goal was the finish line—and everything it symbolized.
So, Why Do You Run the Race?
As music directors, we are also running a kind of marathon.
Some of us are building programs that perform at the highest musical levels. Some are focused on creating inclusive spaces where students feel they belong. Some are simply trying to make a difference in one student’s life at a time.
Regardless of the size of your ensemble, the number of trophies on the shelf, or the ratings at festival, your “why” matters.
Just like marathon runners, music directors must dig deep, especially when things get hard. Rehearsals can be exhausting. Budgets can be tight. Support can be inconsistent. And yet, we persevere—because the finish line is worth it. That “finish line” might be a spring concert, a first performance by a beginner ensemble, a student’s acceptance into a college music program, or a senior’s final bow on stage.
As this year wraps up and your mind begins to turn toward planning for next year, take a moment to reflect:
What is your why?
Why did you start this journey?
Why do you stay?
What impact do you hope to make?
Knowing the answers to those questions will help you chart the course for your next mile in this long, beautiful race.
Because in the end, it’s not about being the biggest, the best, or coming in first. It’s about staying true to your purpose.
Run your race. Keep your why close. And never stop moving forward.
