Jasmine Lanata could always count on a big hug from Jinna Han when the two would see each other at The Skating Club of Boston. They would skate together and hang out behind the scenes at the annual Ice Chips show. Off the ice, they would make zany videos while spending time with friends in the upstairs lounge.

"She was always a ray of sunshine, super happy, energetic," Lanata, 19, and a sophomore at Boston College University, said. "She had such a strong and passionate commitment to the sport; she lit up every single time she would step on the ice."

Her parents, Jin Hee Han and Joon Young, exuded that same positivity.

"Her mom and dad are some of the nicest people I've ever met at the club," Lanata said. "They make you feel welcome. They ask you about your day, they ask you about how things are outside of skating."

When Han and 66 others, including 28 from the skating community, perished in the Jan. 29, 2025, air disaster near Washington, D.C., Lanata knew she wanted to do something that honored her friend's memory and others at the club affected by the tragedy.

"My first thought was how can I support the club," said Lanata, who competes on her college's synchronized skating team and has been a club member for 12 years. "I just wanted to do something where I could combine my passion for running and skating and have an opportunity to honor their memory and give back to The Skating Club of Boston community."

In addition to Han, the accident took the lives of another good friend at the club, up-and-coming skater Spencer Lane, and his mother, Christine; Han's mother; and coaches and parents of Olympian Maxim Naumov, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.

"I took the initiative and I went to my club directors and proposed entering the club into the [Boston] Marathon charity program," Lanata said. "And after completing the application process, we were granted two bibs, which is exciting and it meant a lot to me."

On Patriots Day, April 20, Han and Jing Tu, a skating parent at the club, will run in the world's oldest annual marathon (130th), in front of an expected crowd of more than 500,000. They'll navigate the 26.2-mile course that includes iconic landmarks such as the Wellesley College "Scream Tunnel" at the halfway point, "Heartbreak Hill" at mile No. 20 and the famous Citgo sign at mile 25.

This will be Lanata's first marathon, although she's been a runner most of her life. She competed on her high school's cross country and track teams, and last year completed a half marathon.

"I just fell in love with running, especially distance running. I had a passion for it," she said.

Last year marked the first time Lanata watched the prestigious event in person, as she cheered on runners from the Boston College campus that sits near mile 21.

"Seeing that sparked my interest and was like I want to run but I'm not fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon," Lanata said. "So the best way I thought to tie my passion for running and to support the club was to enter the Skating Club as a charity organization and run for charity."

As part of the charity program, runners are required to collect a minimum of $7,500 (this depends on the charitable organization's level). Lanata and Tu each have met individual goals of $15,000. The money will go to the club's "Always Champions" campaign, which raises funds for scholarships honoring the individuals lost in the plane crash.

Lanata's training, which included frequent runs on icy and snow-packed sidewalks this winter and spring, averaged 40 miles a week. She and some of her BC friends covered segments of the course and often ran past Fenway Park and along the Charles River.

"It's been super exciting, because when you are running on these long runs on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you see a bunch of other runners also training for the marathon," she said.

Lanata, who studies finance at the Carroll School of Management at BC, said she doesn't have any time or placement goals. It's simply the experience she seeks.

"One of the club directors, Mia Bailey, and I, have talked about what we are going to do at the end of the marathon," Lanata said. "I just want a place where everyone can come together — whoever was able to come out and cheer and support — and reflect on the spirit of The SC of Boston. There will be a lot of emotions, excitement and just reflection on the purpose of the run."

Tu, whose daughter, Iris, is a club member, will run his eighth marathon. This one, however, holds the most meaning for him.

He watched his daughter over the last three years participate in the club's "Tommorow's Champions" program, which was started and run by Shishkova Vadim Naumov, and is now in the hands of Maxim.

"I still vividly remember the first day we met coach Vadim and coach Evgenia," Tu said. "After just one tryout, we knew instantly that this was the right place for Iris. Their patience, dedication and remarkable coaching left an enduring impact, and Iris would not be where she is today without their guidance. Tomorrow's Champions was where her dream truly began."

Tu and Iris also had opportunities to watch budding stars Han and Lane train nearly every day.

"Jinna and Spencer were incredible inspirations for Iris — young athletes whose passion, artistry and spirit represented everything the sport stands for," Tu said. "We all believed they were destined to shine on the Olympic stage. Jin and Christine were equally devoted parents; I still remember exchanging warm smiles and brief hallway conversations with them as we supported our children side by side."

Tu's family, including his son, daughter and wife, will be on the course cheering him on, along with a major contingent from the Skating Club.

"I just want to enjoy the course, slow down a little bit and let people know about what I am supporting," he said. "Just enjoy every minute. This is about legacy, remembrance and carrying forward the spirit of excellence that these remarkable individuals embodied."