On April 21, 2025, Karen Connors will lace up her running shoes to take on the 129th Boston Marathon, marking the completion of her Six Star Abbott World Marathon Majors journey. But this race is about more than personal achievement—it’s about honoring a legacy and supporting a cause that hits close to home.
Karen is running in support of the Last Call Foundation (LCF), an organization dedicated to advancing firefighter safety. Her passion for this mission stems from her father’s 25-year service as a Cleveland firefighter, proudly driving the ladder truck for Engine 13. That connection took on an even deeper significance when her daughter survived a terrifying three-alarm fire in her New York City apartment on December 2, 2024. Among the 138 firefighters and EMS personnel who responded that night was Engine 13—its ladder extended to her daughter's apartment, a poignant reminder of her grandfather’s legacy.
Karen has committed to raising $12,000 for the Last Call Foundation, which funds critical initiatives such as cancer prevention training, support for injured firefighters and their families, and the development of advanced fire hose technology. Every donation directly impacts firefighter safety, helping protect those who put their lives on the line daily.
Support Karen’s mission: Click here to donate
Q: Your marathon journey started in 2014 and has taken you across the world—what inspired you to take on the challenge of completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors?
A. Completing the New York City Marathon in 2014 was initially a bucket-list goal that evolved into a global journey. Witnessing how an Abbott World Marathon Major united this community on race day sparked a deeper connection. I loved making running friends worldwide and the challenges of running all over the world. After New York City in 2014 and 2015, I pursued other major races, including Chicago, Berlin, London and Tokyo. On April 21, 2025, I am set to complete my Six Star Abbott World Marathon Major journey at the prestigious Boston Marathon.
Q: After facing multiple charity rejections, you found a deeply personal connection with the Last Call Foundation. Can you share what this organization means to you and how your family's firefighting legacy played a role in your decision?
A: The Last Call Foundation holds a deeply personal meaning for me, as my father served as a Cleveland firefighter for 25 years, proudly driving the ladder truck for Engine 13. The mission of the LCF is to provide funding, education, and research to advance the safety needs of the firefighting community. Recently, this mission became even more significant when my daughter, Kate, survived a terrifying 3-alarm fire in her NYC apartment building on December 2, 2024. As flames engulfed the building, 138 FDNY and EMS personnel rushed to the scene. Among them was Engine 13, its ladder extended to my daughter’s apartment, a reminder of my dad legacy. I knew that Team LCF was perfect for me.
A: My commitment to run for team LCF was strengthened when my daughter, Kate, recounted the horrifying three-alarm fire at her New York City apartment building. A week later, she spoke of the bravery and resilience of the FDNY. I accompanied my daughter to her condemned apartment to salvage any belongings. While we were there, firefighters from Engine 13 arrived. We thanked them for saving her life that scary evening and will be forever grateful to them.
Q: Fundraising is a crucial part of your Boston Marathon journey—what efforts do you have planned, and how can people support you in reaching your $12,000 goal?
People can support me in reaching my $12,000 goal for LCF charity in a few ways.
- Donation to my Given Gain Fundraising Page or Venmo me at @Karen-Connors-12 (note LCF)
- Fundraiser at 850 Degrees Pizza on Monday, March 24th from 5:00p.m. – 10:00p.m. 10% of the evening proceeds will be donated back to LCF. Raffle prizes too.
- Raffle event at the Danbury Ice Arena Playoff Game on Saturday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m. Raffle prizes include: Gift Cards from Terra Sole, Ridgefield Prime, 109 Cheese & Wine, SouthWest Café, Dimitri’s Diner, Nomade Westport Restaurant, D.J. 4-Hour Event, and many more exciting prizes.
Q: Crossing the finish line in Boston will mark the completion of your 6-Star journey. What does achieving this goal mean to you, both as a runner and as someone honoring your family’s firefighting legacy?
A: Crossing the finish line in Boston to complete my Six Star journey is a deeply meaningful milestone. It symbolizes years of dedication, sacrifice and endurance, proving that with the right mindset-both mentally and physically – anything is possible. I’ll likely be overcome with emotion as I think of my father, my daughter, Michael Kennedy, the firefighter and Marine veteran who lost his life in the Boston fire, and the Last Call Foundation established in his honor. This moment is also a tribute to all firefighters who risk their lives daily.
Ridgefield will be cheering for you, Karen! Run strong!