This local chef is running his fourth Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon

Robert Sisca, culinary director/partner for Himmel Hospitality Group, is running for Massachusetts General Hospital.

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Robert Sisca
Age: 43
City/State: North Attleboro, Mass.

I am beyond excited to run the 129th Boston Marathon for Massachusetts General Hospital. This will be my fifth marathon (fourth Boston)! I am so happy to run for MGH to help raise money for crucial funds needed for pediatric cancer. I love running the Boston Marathon and I will continue running for charities as long as I can. 26.2 miles is not easy, but neither is beating cancer.

I am the Culinary Director/Partner for Himmel Hospitality Group in Boston, which operates Bistro du Midi, Grill 23, The Banks, and Harvest in Cambridge.  I opened Bistro du Midi in November of 2009 and have seen a few hundred thousand runners cross the finish line since Bistro is near it. Watching the accomplishment on their faces, I always wanted to experience it. In 2020, I was training for my first Boston Marathon for Joslin Diabetes. When the marathon was cancelled due to Covid, I still ran my first Boston Marathon virtually, but then finally finished on Boylston street in the fall of 2021.

I ran cross-country in high school but then life took over and I have been in kitchens every day since.  If you asked me 10 years ago if I would ever run a marathon, I would say no way.  Then I got back on my feet, got outside, started running again, and just fell in love with it. Running has helped me clear my mind and think about being more health conscious for my family. Completing several 5ks and 10ks and a few half marathons, I did not want to stop there.  Why not do the best race in the world, the Boston Marathon!

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.