Doug Sulser will run the Boston Marathon as a fundraiser for the Demons Youth Hockey Association.

Doug Sulser has been around the Boston Marathon for years. His father, wife and sister all have run the race. He grew up in Natick near the midpoint of the course and now lives in Hopkinton, just steps from where the race begins.

“It’s been a family affair,” Sulser said. “Now, living not too far from the start line, I have no real excuses.”

Adding to his desire to run was the chance to raise money for the Demons Youth Hockey Association. His son has been part of that program for the past four years.

“What better opportunity than to run for the Demons?” Sulser said. “The stars just aligned.”

This will be Sulser’s first official marathon, though he has run the distance during his time in the military and on runs. He completed his longest training run — 21 miles — before the end of March and said he is ready to go for Patriots’ Day.

“I am looking forward to the entire experience — the crowd from start to finish, starting in Hopkinton where I am raising my family and supporting the youth sports program, to my hometown halfway through, to the finish line in Boston, the city I have called home my whole life,” Sulser said.

He added: “Everyone I have talked to has told me to just enjoy every minute of the crowds.”

Sulser said he does not have any particular time goal in mind, although finishing in under four hours would be a good accomplishment. He is mostly looking to cross the finish line injury free, noting that he is slated to fly with his family for their first trip to Disney World the following day.

He is also thrilled to be supporting the Demons, calling the organization a “wonderful youth sports program.”

“I was not a hockey player, but my wife comes from a hockey family and my son Henry wanted to learn to skate,” Sulser said. “I did Learn to Skate through the Demons, and that led to [Henry’s] introduction to hockey. The program has been the greatest. It’s very family and community oriented.”

Sulser said the Demons program has allowed his son and other youth hockey players the chance to meet and play with kids from nearby towns, some of whom they will see as they continue their careers into high school and beyond.

“They are teaching these young athletes great qualities, like being good teammates and working hard,” he said.

Sulser said he is not nervous for his marathon debut, in part because of his relatively easy logistics on that morning.

“I have it easier than a lot of folks, living 500 yards from the start line,” he said. “I just have to worry about waking up, walking to the start line and enjoying the day.”