By Tiffany Williams –
On Monday, 30,000 athletes will partake in the 129th Boston Marathon, a grueling 26.2-mile journey stretching from the quaint town of Hopkinton to the bustling heart of Boston. As the world’s oldest annually run marathon, this iconic event not only showcases the spirit of community but also celebrates the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence year after year.
Among these determined runners is Worcester Police Officer Ryan Caneen, who, is 40 years old, and a 12-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department. His passion for running ignited long before his law enforcement career; it began during his high school years on the Cross Country team. After completing college, he delved into the world of distance running, successfully tackling several half marathons.
“I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself with endurance races,” Caneen told NewsTalk New England. “I ran my first full marathon in October of 2019 and every year since then I have been fortunate to run the Boston Marathon. This will be my sixth year running Boston, the first one being the virtual one due to Covid.”
Currently assigned to the Worcester Police Department’s Special Operations as a K9 Handler since 2020, Caneen dedicates his days to responding to various calls for service alongside his K9 partner, Bolt. Balancing the demands of family life and his career, Caneen acknowledges the significant commitment required for marathon training. Nevertheless, his wife’s support allows him to carve out time for his runs and regular gym sessions.
Living in Massachusetts, Caneen faces the additional challenge of training during harsh winter months. He admits, “Running in below-freezing temperatures is far from enjoyable, but I make an effort to get outside for at least one outdoor run a week starting in January. The treadmill certainly becomes my go-to until the weather begins to warm up.”
Officer Caneen is running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for Cops For Kids With Cancer, a charity dedicated to providing financial assistance to families navigating the harrowing journey of having a child with cancer. Founded nearly two decades ago, the organization has made a profound impact by distributing nearly $5.5 million to those in need.
Running for the Cops For Kids with Cancer team comes with a fundraising obligation, and Caneen expresses heartfelt gratitude: “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my fundraising goals each year without the incredible support of my fellow WPD officers, who step up to help whenever I reach out.”