She’s running Boston to get her Six Star medal

Running for Team With A Vision, Kati Fratesi is on her way to complete her last World Marathon Major.

updated on March 21, 2025

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Kati Fratesi
Age: 34
From: Chicago

I’ve dreamed of running the Boston Marathon for nearly a decade. My passion for marathons began through my involvement with Delta Gamma, where I first learned about running for a cause, especially through the Team With A Vision program, which supports those who are blind or low vision. For 16 years, I’ve volunteered and raised funds for organizations like the Lighthouse for the Blind and Southeastern Guide Dogs. As a Delta Gamma consultant, I even worked with collegiate chapters to cultivate a passion for service, particularly for “Service for Sight,” Delta Gamma’s philanthropic mission since 1936.

My love for running was sparked during my senior year of college when a roommate encouraged me to sign up for a half marathon. The thrill of the race turned into a deep love for long-distance running. After moving to Chicago, I ran the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and was hooked on the marathon experience — the energy, the grit, and the sense of accomplishment. Since then, I’ve completed 12 marathons, including five of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. Boston has been my north star, and this year, I’ll achieve my dream of earning my sixth star.

Running the Boston Marathon while representing MABVI’s Team With A Vision is a culmination of my marathon journey and my passion for supporting the blind and low-vision community. Combining my love for running with my advocacy feels like the ultimate privilege, and I can’t wait to cross the finish line, earning both my sixth star and the chance to give back in a meaningful way!

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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Kelly Chan

Content Producer

Kelly Chan is a content producer at Boston.com. She designs multimedia content on-site and across social media platforms, and experiments with new ways to engage readers.