Leading up to the April 18 Boston Marathon, the Independent will profile local charity runners. This issue we highlight Mia Coutinho, who is running to raise funds for the 26.2 Foundation.

Coutinho ran in last fall’s event and is looking forward to her first race on Patriots’ Day.

“I’ve lived in Hopkinton now 20 years and am proud to say I have witnessed MANY Boston Marathon starts. But to be *running* the famous 26.2 miles to Copley Square is an absolute privilege and a dream,” she states in her fundraising appeal.

Coutinho notes that donations last year helped sponsor the creation of a sculpture depicting Bobbi Gibb, the race’s first-ever female competitor.

“Donations to the 26.2 Foundation will go towards bettering community health, encouraging marathon preservation and strengthening international ties,” she states. “The 26.2 Foundation will use funds to build the International Marathon Center and Center for Human Endurance — a museum that will be a hub for heart-healthy education, cardiovascular training and a beautiful gathering space in Hopkinton, my hometown.”

Coutinho also is a classically trained watercolorist and has specially painted and created thank you cards to reflect the joy of the Boston Marathon. Anyone interested in purchasing a stack for a donation to the 26.2 Foundation can reach out to her at mcoutinho2016@gmail.com.