Kerry Vogel, shown with children Grace and Caleb, will attempt her first Boston Marathon.

“Music has always been a huge part of my family,” said Kerry Vogel, who is running her first Boston Marathon in 2023 to raise money for the Hopkinton Music Association.

The Hopkinton Music Association (HMA) is a volunteer organization composed of parents, alumni, educators and community members. It relies on the support of individuals, families and businesses who donate time and materials. Per its website (hopkintonmusicasso.wixsite.com/hopkintonmusic), HMA’s mission is to “promote, support and advocate for exceptional music education for all students in Hopkinton Public Schools.”

HMA provides scholarships for graduating Hopkinton seniors; music lesson scholarships for students in grades 6-11; formal performance attire for high school band, chorus and orchestra groups; jackets for the high school pep band, chorus and orchestra; Music Festival funding; buses for the Grade 8 trip to an educational musical performance; volunteer support for school concerts and MICCA festivals; music instruments and equipment; and guest clinicians and speakers.

Originally from Franklin, Vogel and her husband, Terry, have been Milford residents for 10 years. Their family now includes 2-year-old daughter Grace and 1-year-old son Caleb. Vogel works in planning and procurement for Dell Technologies and also works with Start Line Brewing, both in Hopkinton.

“So I’ve been heavily active in the town, and I know a lot of people who live within Hopkinton,” she said, “and when this opportunity came up, obviously, you know, I didn’t want to turn it down!”

Vogel has been running most of her life. She ran track in high school and played soccer throughout college and has “been a runner ever since!” She’s done 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons and said “Boston has been a bucket list thing for me for a long time.”

Through her running group, the Tri-Valley Front Runners, Vogel met people in the Hopkinton Running Club, and through those connections became acquainted with the HMA. Her background of music appreciation motivated her to run for its benefit.

“I played instruments growing up, my sister was in the choir, and my mom was big into singing,” she explained, adding that both her parents passed away within two months of each other this year.

“So, it’s been a rough couple months of marathon training, for sure,” she shared, but added that running is “definitely a good distraction, a stress-burner — running’s always been like that for me, kind of just a good way to clear your mind.”

For training, “I’m doing the Hal Higdon training program — so I run four days a week, rest two days a week, and then I cross train one day a week,” she said. “I like to spin, so I’ll usually do a spin class at my gym or jump on the Peloton … and sometimes it’s maybe just a walk with the kids on the weekend.

“My training hasn’t been that glamorous, but I’ve powered through!” she added with a chuckle. “At this point, I’m just looking forward to it, it’ll be a fun day, and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and family who are all going to be out there supporting me.”

Her parents will surely be there in spirit, with mom singing Vogel’s praises.

“Both of my parents were my number one supporters in everything,” Vogel wrote on her fundraising page (givengain.com/ap/kerry-vogel-raising-funds-for-hopkinton-music-association/#timeline). “I know they’ll be with me all 26.2 miles, cheering me on as they have my whole life. This one’s for you mom & dad.”