Matthew Prior, shown with son Juddy, is raising funds for Hopkinton Youth Football as he takes on the Boston Marathon.

Running the Boston Marathon takes a lot of heart.

Matt Prior understands that more than most.

A year ago, the Hopkinton resident faced “one of the toughest challenges of my life.” He was diagnosed with heart failure and myocarditis, which required an ablation procedure.

He spent two weeks recuperating at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

When he was released, running became a major factor in his recovery. That helped him make great strides in his improvement.

Running helped strengthen his heart, so “this doesn’t happen again.”

His first runs were carefully monitored to make sure his heart rate stayed in check.

The runs were also a bonding time with his family — his wife, Kristen, son, Juddy, 6, and daughter, Hadley, 4.

Every Saturday, Prior puts in a long run, with his family at his side as he starts. Kristen then drives the family to meet him at the end.

“That’s fun,” he said. “Hopefully it will make an impact on them in some way.”

He logs a range of lengths, depending on the proximity to the April 20 race date.

He runs about 40 miles a week. This amount tapers off as the race draws near. That way, he said, “On the day of the race you will be well-rested and ready to do your best.”

The stormy February didn’t help his runs, he noted, adding, “Hopefully it will be nice April 20.”

He acknowledged that marathon prep was “a lot harder than I thought it would be.” With a chuckle, he added, “I still haven’t gotten the runner’s high.”

But what he has gotten is an appreciation for how much stronger he has become and how running has contributed to his healthy condition.

“One year later, I’m healthier than ever, and running was a key contributor,” he said. “I’m probably in the best shape of my life, and I played lacrosse in college.”

Last fall, he was cleared to run the marathon, which he always has watched with enthusiasm.

Community proves key

When he lived in Boston, he would cheer on the runners at the finish line. Now he gets to cross the starting line not far from his home.

He described his hometown as special. Hopkinton is a “great community” with a “great school system. It makes sense why we live in town,” he said.

Running the marathon has long been a goal. “I always said I wanted to do it,” he said. “Now that I’m in good shape, I decided to do it.”

He is running to raise funds for Hopkinton Youth Football, as his son played on a K-1 flag football team in the fall.

“I was inspired by the commitment, hard work and determination these kids showed,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand how youth football builds grit, teamwork and resilience, qualities that prepare kids to tackle life’s obstacles head-on.”

He hopes his run sends a message.

“Running the Boston Marathon is more than a race for me,’’ he said. “It’s a chance to give back to a program that teaches kids lessons far beyond the field.”

Participating in youth football teaches players to “work hard, never quit and achieve something bigger together,’’ he said.

He has learned a similar lesson through his own medical journey.

“That experience taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up,” he said.

He hopes to share that with the players he is running for. “I want to show them that with determination and heart, anything is possible, even after life throws you a challenge,” he said.

He learned firsthand that “even when life just knocks you down,’’ you face the challenges and look toward the future.

You just keep on running.