At 57 years old, Gordon is on the verge of joining an elite group of roughly 120 current runners worldwide who have reached this milestone. For Gordon, the moment is about far more than personal accomplishment. For the past 14 years, he has used the Boston Marathon as a platform to support Project HOPE, a Roxbury-based nonprofit helping women and families move out of poverty and toward long-term independence.
“This has never just been about running,” said Gordon, Vice Chair of Project HOPE’s Board of Directors and captain of its marathon team. “It’s about doing something meaningful and helping people in your own community.”
A Milestone Shaped by Resilience
Gordon’s journey to his 25th Boston Marathon almost came to a halt last year when he suffered a partial tear of his Achilles. The injury required six months of rehabilitation and left real uncertainty about whether he would be able to return in time.
“I knew I had the heart, drive, and commitment to Project HOPE to make it back,” he said. “There were times I wasn’t sure my body would cooperate. That’s what makes this year even more meaningful.”
His path to running began later in life. In his early 30s, Gordon joined his sister-in-law while she was training for the Falmouth Road Race. When she was unable to run, he completed the race on his own, sparking a commitment that led him to train for his first marathon the following year.
What began as a personal challenge evolved into a decades-long effort to combine endurance running with charitable impact.
Gordon credits his wife, Abby, as a constant source of support throughout his journey, describing his marathon running and philanthropic work as a shared commitment grounded in their family’s values and dedication to helping others.
Running to Break the Cycle of Homelessness and Poverty
Gordon has spent more than a decade running in support of Project HOPE, an organization that has been serving the Roxbury community since 1981.
Project HOPE provides shelter and comprehensive support services that help women and families rebuild their lives. Through job training, housing assistance, and access to childcare, the organization helps families move from crisis to stability.
“What makes Project HOPE so effective is that the impact is both immediate and lasting,” Gordon said. “With relatively modest support, you can help a family find housing, secure employment, and build a future.”
He emphasized that the work extends well beyond today.
“It’s not just about helping someone in the moment,” he said. “It’s about breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty for that family and for future generations.”
A Team Effort with Growing Momentum
Gordon leads a team of nine runners representing Project HOPE in this year’s Boston Marathon, marking the 15th anniversary of the organization’s marathon program.
Together, the team has already raised more than $150,000, with Gordon personally raising more than $90,000. During Boston Marathon Giving Day on March 12, Gordon was the top fundraiser out of more than 3,000 charity runners.
The group will gather with supporters, families, and donors on April 18 at the Westin Copley Hotel for a pre-race breakfast, bringing together the community behind the effort.
“There’s a strong sense of purpose with this team,” Gordon said. “Everyone is here because they want to help families in Boston who are working to rebuild their lives.”
A Personal Connection to the Mission
Gordon’s commitment to Project HOPE is rooted in both his leadership role and personal experiences with the organization.
He recalls a time when he and his wife brought his young daughter to a holiday toy drive, where she helped distribute gifts to families in need. The experience left a lasting impression and shaped her understanding and commitment to giving back.
“It was a moment that stayed with her,” he said. “Those experiences shape how you see your role and responsibility in helping others.”
Encouraging the Community to Get Involved
As Gordon prepares to reach this milestone, he hopes his journey encourages others to learn more about Project HOPE and support its work.
“I always tell people, go visit,” he said. “Go to 550 Dudley Street and see what’s happening there. You’ll understand very quickly the difference we’re making every day.”
Supporters can learn more by visiting:
Or make a donation to the Project HOPE Marathon Team:
“Even a single contribution can help change someone’s life,” Gordon said. “And when you help one family move forward, you’re helping generations to come.”
About Project HOPE
Project HOPE is a Roxbury-based nonprofit organization that provides shelter and support services to women and children experiencing homelessness. Through programs focused on housing stability, job training, and childcare, Project HOPE helps families overcome barriers and build a path toward long-term independence.
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