Steven Hanton running for #teambcnc. This is his first time running the Boston Marathon. Help Steven reach his goal and make a donation here!

“My connection to the Chinese community has always been linguistic: I started learning Mandarin at 17 and it was a humbling experience. But studying the language also gave me the opportunity to meet folks in- and outside of the Chinese diaspora. And through that, I was introduced to BCNC and the important role it serves for thousands of Bostonians. BCNC empowers Asians and new immigrants to build healthy families, achieve greater economic success and contribute to thriving communities by providing a range of family-centered programs and services. It's an integral form of support for Asian Americans in the greater Boston area.

It's also how I met some of my closest friends, who've changed my life for the better. So, I'm excited to run for a great cause this year: BCNC,” says Steven.

When and why did you start running?

I started running in 2015 after one of my best friends from college dragged me to run two miles with her. It was painful, but I found myself running other short runs with other friends—sometimes on the treadmill, sometimes outside. It only took a year or so me to feel the rumored “runner’s high” and I have been running on and off ever since.

What empowers you to keep running after a long day?

Nothing, which is why I run at the beginning of the day! Usually, by the end of the day, I’m tired, bloated from whatever I ate throughout the day and don’t have the energy to put on my running sneakers. This is why I typically run in the morning: it usually is a great way to start the day and gives me sense of accomplishment.

Where is your dream destination for running?

Somewhere in the mountains or deep in nature. I’m not much of a cross country runner, but that may be the next stop!

What is one thing you can’t run without?

Music. Some of my runner friends love to run with just the sounds around them—I consider them more advanced than me since I still need the distraction of music to get me through my runs. Music helps me pace myself and gives my mind something to focus on: three songs (or fewer) to a mile, for example.

What do you hope to achieve with Boston Marathon?

Just completion. This is my first marathon and I’m nervous about not getting through it. So just crossing the finish line is enough for me.

If you could make up any Gatorade flavor that would be served at the marathon aid stations, what would it be?

I’m boring—just something orange or lemon flavored. Or maybe 柚子! #TeamCitrus all day.

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