This runner is raising money for Cradles to Crayons

Boston Marathon

“Volunteering for Marathon was simply too impactful for me to resist running it myself,” said Sanjana Chandak.

By Maya Shavit

April 20, 2025 | 5:00 AM

1 minute to read

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: Sanjana Chandak
Age: 39
From: Andover, Mass.

As a mother of two and a senior vice president in Global Technology at Bank of America, I have to stay organized to ensure everything on my to-do list gets done. It’s this attention to detail that attracted me to Cradles to Crayons, the organization I am running for in my first Boston Marathon.  

Cradles to Crayons, which provides children’s clothing and other basic necessities to financially insecure families, is an organization I’ve particularly come to appreciate. Their efficient system ensures that children seeking services are receiving only relevant items, an attention to detail that both I and my children appreciate, particularly if they were ever to need such kindness. Kids do get affected by what they are wearing; it can impact their confidence. 

Last year’s Boston Marathon was a memorable day of giving back when my children and I joined other Bank of America volunteers to hand out cups of water. The energy is unreal; people are showing up for each other, and there just was this tremendous respect in the entire community. Volunteering for Marathon was simply too impactful for me to resist running it myself. Soon, all that’ll be left on my to-do list is crossing the finish line. 

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