Kathryn Curry is set to run run the Boston Marathon to benefit the Hopkinton Music Association, as she has done twice before.

Hopkinton resident Kathryn Curry has run so many marathons that she has lost count. She knows that it is at least 20.

She was introduced to the sport at a young age, due to her father’s interest.

“My father was a marathon runner, and as kids we would root for him in the New York City Marathon,” Curry said.

Curry recalls standing at Mile 22, cheering on all the runners.

Eventually, she took up the sport herself. She ran her first marathon in 1997 in New York and will be running her eighth and likely last Boston Marathon this Patriots’ Day.

Despite her extensive marathon running experience, the Boston Marathon holds a special place in Curry’s heart because she running for the third time to benefit the Hopkinton Music Association (HMA). She was the organization’s first charity runner in 2015, and she returned in 2019.

The money raised will help support college scholarships, private music lessons and concert attire for students. As of late March, more than $6,000 had been raised for the foundation via Curry’s fundraising page (gofundme.com/f/boston-marathon-run-for-the-hopkinton-music-assoc).

While Curry is deeply passionate about the work of the HMA, she says that fundraising is outside her comfort zone.

“I don’t like asking anyone for money,” Curry said.

But she does so because of the personal significance raising money holds for Curry on multiple levels. Having benefited from scholarship programs herself, including a full scholarship to Boston University, she feels a strong desire to pay it forward.

“I always felt that somebody donated so I could benefit, so I want to return the favor,” Curry said.

Curry’s decision to run for the HMA also is fueled by the direct impact the association has had on her family members. Her children took part in Hopkinton’s music program, and it had a particularly noticeable impact on her nephew, Teddy Edgar.

In middle school, Edgar was featured in a concert, and a teacher from the Walnut Hill School For The Arts in Natick saw him sing. After starting high school in Hopkinton, Edgar was able to transfer on a full scholarship to Walnut Hill. He ended up pursuing a double major in music theater and vocal performance at Oklahoma City University and recently completed his master’s in opera performance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Now, he’s a professional actor and teacher.

“That is all because of the exposure [to music] he had from the Hopkinton Music Association,” Curry said.

Her nephew is not the only artistic one in the family. To raise money for the HMA, Curry sells hand-painted bells at the Town Common on Boston Marathon weekend.

“It totally affects my performance, because my feet are totally tired [from standing at her table], but I hope that I inspire somebody else to try to make sure that we give back what we have received, and if we can give back more than we received, that’s even better,” Curry said.

Craig Hay, the school district’s subject matter leader for music, acknowledges Curry’s contributions to the HMA.

“She has been one of our greatest supporters over the years,” he said. “Kathy has always been there as a supportive parent, HMA board member and marathon runner.”

Curry dedicated the medal from her first Boston Marathon for the HMA to Hay.

Despite an illness during Christmas and an ear infection that disrupted her running schedule, Curry has continued to adapt and push through with her training. When running was not possible, she opted for walks.

Going into what she said might be her last Boston Marathon, her goal is to take in the moment.

“It’s the 100th run from Hopkinton. This is my town, and I want to be able to enjoy it, and know that I gave back again to the Hopkinton Music Association, which has supported my family so much through the years.”