Mary McManus

Mary McManus, motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author and poet, blogger, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, polio and trauma survivor and thriver, has a remarkable story of resilience, healing, hope and possibilities. Every day is a celebration of life for Mary, now in her 70's, who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 sitting down. Her pen became her divining rod for healing, harnessing the power of the mind/body connection through poetry. She embarked on a journey that took her from taking a leap of faith, leaving behind her award-winning career as a VA social worker, to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, and many adventures as a woman transformed through the sport of running. Mary has wowed audiences with her powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities. Out of the rubble of her past, Mary dug deep to discover the treasure of who she was always meant to be. Her Spirit shines with brilliant resilience as she conquered every challenge going the distance on the roads and in her life. Mary speaks to the power of forgiveness, gratitude, love, hope and optimism when confronting life's challenges.

She was recently featured on the Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast, Erin O'Malley's Feel Good Frequency podcast, the award-winning Runnah Podcast and a guest on the Proud to BU podcast that features distinguished Boston University alumni. Bill Rodgers selected "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" for his Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. She recently had a book signing with Bill at Marathon Sports. Mary was featured on Boston’s Channel 7 after her inspiring Boston Marathon run, award winning Exceptional Women radio show, featured on the Heal Documentary website, many podcasts and radio shows, and featured in best-selling author Dr. David Hamilton’s book, “The Tenth Anniversary Edition of How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body.”

In February of 2020, Mary shared the stage with Bill Rodgers at the Hyannis Marathon Pre-Race pasta dinner. She was a panelist at the 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Expo "Late Life Running and Whole Life Running." Her books, "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ Radio Book Club for 2023 and 2024. Her story was featured in Bostonia, Boston University's Alumni Magazine "Their Second Acts" feature and Mike Reilly's Beyond the Finish Line.

Mary holds a BS in Communications from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her veterans and their families who blessed her life when she worked at the VA.