Boston may be known for its iconic marathon, but this year, the tiniest runners stole the show without taking a single step.
At Tufts Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the halls turned into a pint-sized marathon course as nurses and parents dressed the hospital’s tiniest champions in miniature marathon bibs, sneakers, and headbands to celebrate their very first Boston Marathon. The result? A day full of smiles, tears, and a reminder of what true endurance really looks like.
For these babies—some weighing just a few pounds—every heartbeat is a finish line crossed. And just like the runners who train for months to take on Heartbreak Hill, these little ones are already fighting the biggest races of their lives.
Related: How reading to NICU babies can benefit moms in a big way
“An honor to run for you little fighters 💙💛 Team Tufts forever!” posted @_bridgiesmalls, a Boston Marathon runner who dedicated her race to the babies she met in the NICU.
The post quickly became a flood of gratitude and nostalgia from former NICU parents and families:
- “My twins were in Tufts NICU 7 years ago. You saved both of their lives—bless every single one of you for what you do. Xx” – @destructogirl_thatsme
- “25 years ago, Tufts PICU saved my baby boy’s life. Forever grateful.” – @abigail.m.sable
- “This makes my heart burst. NICU nurses are angels on earth.” – @runnergirl_boston
While the Boston Marathon is synonymous with perseverance and heart, the Tufts NICU babies embody those same qualities in ways that words can barely capture. Each tiny foot clad in a baby sneaker is a testament to strength. Every smile, a victory lap.
“We might call them ‘little fighters,’ but make no mistake—they are the biggest inspirations we could ever imagine,” said a Tufts nurse.
As Boston cheers on its marathoners year after year, there’s something poetic about the city’s youngest residents celebrating right alongside them. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re running 26.2 miles or fighting for every ounce gained in a hospital bassinet—courage is courage.
And these tiny champions? They’re already winning.
Related: New technology could see NICU babies go wireless within two years