Shrewsbury Native Running 127th Boston Marathon For Autism School

SHREWSBURY, MA — A Shrewsbury native is running the 2023 Boston Marathon to support a Southborough-based nonprofit that works with local autistic children.

Courtney Howe-Cotto is a former New England Center for Children employee, and will run as part of its charity team in the 127th marathon on April 17. Howe-Cotto now works at Brewer Lane Ventures in Boston.

"That experience has never left me," she said of her time at NECC. "I still find so much inspiration in the students, families, and staff that I had the privilege of getting to know during that time."

NECC runs a variety of programs for children and young adults with autism, including day programs and a residential day school.

Each year, the Boston Athletic Association allows scores of runners to join the race to raise money for charity. Although Howe-Cotto has been a longtime runner, this is her first ever marathon.

Howe-Cotto is hoping to raise $20,000 for NECC — and as of Monday, she was very close to hitting that goal. Visit her fundraising page to learn more.