A Finish Line Full of Brotherhood

Last month, Man Up to Cancer members Boyd Dunleavey, Tim Ashe, Jon Brent, and Kris Koehler came together for one unforgettable weekend at the Boston Marathon — not just to run, but to show up for each other in the loudest, most meaningful way.

Boyd, a longtime runner and 14-year cancer survivor, had his sights set on completing his 18th marathon — his 5th Boston in person. While race day didn’t go quite as planned, what mattered most wasn’t the time on the clock. It was the roar of the men at the finish line, the bond of friendship forged over meals, mass, and miles, and the unwavering support of his brothers who waited (and waited!) to cheer him on across the finish line.

The weekend was filled with special moments — from Jon trying lobster for the first time, to Kris and Boyd attending a moving Sunday morning mass together, marking Boyd’s first in years. And of course, the celebration dinner afterward sealed the memory, full of laughter, storytelling, and the kind of connection that only grows deeper with shared experience.

With nearly eight hours of cheering, banner waving, and plenty of hooting and howling, Tim, Jon, and Kris made sure no one missed the message: no one runs alone.

Moments like this are what Man Up to Cancer is all about — showing up, supporting one another, and reminding each other that we’re never in this fight (or this race) alone.