Celebs Who Are Marathon Runners

Celebrities often lead lives under the spotlight but many find solace and challenge in the grueling world of marathon running. These high profile individuals dedicate months of training to prepare for races that span over twenty six miles in cities like New York and London and Boston. Some run for personal records while others participate to raise awareness and funds for various charitable organizations. Their athletic achievements demonstrate a level of discipline and physical endurance that complements their professional careers in entertainment and sports and politics.

Will Ferrell

The comedic actor completed the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon early in his career. He finished the Stockholm Marathon in under five hours during a period of intense physical activity. Ferrell often spoke about the mental toughness required to cross the finish line after hours of continuous movement. His participation in these events inspired fans to take up long distance running for health benefits.

Ryan Reynolds

The ‘Deadpool’ star ran the New York City Marathon in 2008 to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation. He completed the race in under four hours while honoring his father who battled Parkinson disease. Reynolds documented his training process and the physical toll the long distance preparation took on his body. This achievement highlighted his commitment to philanthropic causes through athletic endurance.

Gordon Ramsay

The world renowned chef is known for his fiery personality on ‘MasterChef’ and his intense physical fitness routine. Ramsay has completed over ten marathons and several Ironman triathlons across the globe. He often uses the discipline of long distance running to manage the stresses of his global restaurant empire. His dedication to fitness shows a different side of the culinary icon to his television audience.

Bryan Cranston

The ‘Breaking Bad’ lead ran the New York City Marathon long before he became a household name. He finished the race in under four hours and described the experience as one of the most difficult challenges of his life. Cranston used the training process to build stamina for his demanding acting roles on stage and screen. This feat remains a significant personal milestone in the life of the award winning actor.

Alicia Keys

The Grammy winning singer completed the New York City Marathon to benefit her charity Keep a Child Alive. She documented her journey of training through the streets of her hometown to prepare for the twenty six mile journey. Keys expressed that running the race gave her a new perspective on her own physical and mental strength. Her successful finish served as a powerful message of empowerment to her millions of followers worldwide.

Kevin Hart

The stand up comedian and star of ‘Jumanji’ is a frequent participant in major road races. Hart has completed the New York City Marathon and the Chicago Marathon with respectable finishing times. He often promotes a healthy lifestyle through his social media platforms and encourages fans to join his impromptu 5K runs. His commitment to marathon running reflects his high energy approach to both work and life.

Oprah Winfrey

The legendary media mogul famously completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994. Her finishing time of four hours and twenty nine minutes remains a point of inspiration for casual runners everywhere. Winfrey credited the training process with helping her gain control over her health and personal wellness goals. This event was a major moment in television history as she shared her journey with her viewers.

Shia LaBeouf

The actor known for his roles in ‘Transformers’ and ‘Honey Boy’ ran the Los Angeles Marathon to support a veterans charity. He finished the race in under five hours and appeared to embrace the physical struggle of the event. LaBeouf has often used physical challenges as a way to connect with his characters and explore his personal limits. His participation drew significant media attention to the cause of supporting former service members.

Ashton Kutcher

The ‘That 70s Show’ actor prepared extensively for the New York City Marathon to raise money for his organization Thorn. He completed the race in three hours and fifty four minutes despite suffering a minor injury during training. Kutcher used his platform to raise over one million dollars for the fight against child sexual exploitation. His performance proved that he possessed the grit required for elite level physical challenges.

Sean Astin

The actor famous for his role as Samwise Gamgee in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is an avid marathoner and Ironman finisher. Astin has completed the New York City Marathon multiple times and often runs to honor his late mother Patty Duke. He created a running community called Run3rd to encourage people to run for others. His long history with the sport shows a deep commitment to the running community.

Katie Holmes

The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ actress surprised many when she crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon in 2007. She completed the race in five hours and twenty nine minutes while being cheered on by a large crowd. Holmes maintained a low profile during her training months to focus on the physical demands of the distance. Her finish was celebrated as a major personal accomplishment during a high profile period in her career.

Teri Hatcher

The ‘Desperate Housewives’ star ran the New York City Marathon to support the charity J/P Haitian Relief Organization. She finished the race in just over five hours and shared her emotional journey with fans online. Hatcher noted that the experience taught her about resilience and the power of the human spirit. Her participation helped raise significant funds for disaster relief efforts in Haiti.

Flea

The bassist for the Red Chili Peppers took up long distance running to raise money for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. He completed the Los Angeles Marathon and spoke about the spiritual clarity he found during long training runs. Flea transitioned from a chaotic lifestyle to one focused on health and community service through running. His dedication to the sport has made him a recognizable figure in the California running scene.

Edward Norton

The actor known for ‘Fight Club’ ran the New York City Marathon to support the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. He recruited a team of runners to join him in raising awareness for environmental protection in Africa. Norton finished the race in under four hours and demonstrated his serious commitment to the cause. His efforts successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation projects.

Natalie Dormer

The ‘Game of Thrones’ actress has completed the London Marathon multiple times to support various charities. She consistently finishes the race in under four hours which places her among the faster celebrity runners. Dormer enjoys the anonymity that running in a large crowd provides during her training sessions. Her discipline on the road mirrors the intensity she brings to her roles on screen.

Ellie Goulding

The British singer is a dedicated runner who has completed several half marathons and the full distance in Washington DC. She often discusses how running helps her manage the pressures of a global music career. Goulding has partnered with major athletic brands to encourage young women to participate in endurance sports. Her athletic prowess is a well known aspect of her public persona and stage energy.

Christy Turlington

The iconic supermodel has completed multiple marathons to raise awareness for maternal health through her foundation Every Mother Counts. She has run races in New York and Chicago and London to support global healthcare initiatives. Turlington views running as a way to advocate for women who lack access to basic medical services. Her continued presence in the marathon world has inspired many within the fashion industry to stay active.

Chelsea Clinton

The former First Daughter completed the New York City Marathon in 2021 with a strong performance. She ran the race through the five boroughs while her family cheered her on from the sidelines. Clinton has long been an advocate for public health and physical activity through her work at the Clinton Foundation. Her finish highlighted her personal commitment to the values of health and endurance she promotes.

Al Roker

The beloved ‘Today Show’ weather anchor completed the New York City Marathon after a major health transformation. He finished the race in seven hours and eight minutes while broadcasting segments for his morning show. Roker used the experience to encourage others to take charge of their health regardless of their age. His journey to the finish line was an emotional moment for his long time viewers.

Cynthia Erivo

The ‘Wicked’ star and Tony winner ran the New York City Marathon while juggling a demanding Broadway schedule. She finished the race in under four hours and noted that running helps her maintain the stamina needed for singing. Erivo often shares her morning training routines with her followers to promote physical and mental wellness. Her ability to balance elite performance in both arts and athletics is widely admired.

Uzo Aduba

The actress famous for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ has run the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. She was a competitive runner in college and returned to the sport to support cancer research. Aduba often speaks about the mental discipline required to complete a marathon and how it relates to her acting work. Her dedication to the sport is a testament to her lifelong passion for fitness.

Karlie Kloss

The supermodel completed the New York City Marathon and shared her journey through the streets of Manhattan with her fans. She balanced her busy fashion career with early morning training sessions to prepare for the challenge. Kloss used the race as an opportunity to raise funds for her charity Kode with Klossy. Her successful finish proved that she could excel in a high stakes athletic environment.

George W. Bush

The former President of the United States completed the Houston Marathon in 1993 before his time in the White House. He finished the race in three hours and forty four minutes which is an impressive time for a politician. Bush continued to be an avid runner throughout his presidency and often hosted runs on the White House grounds. His commitment to fitness helped popularize jogging among the American public during the nineties.

Will Reeve

The son of Christopher Reeve and correspondent for ABC News ran the New York City Marathon to honor his parents. He raised significant funds for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to support spinal cord injury research. Reeve completed the race surrounded by supporters and members of the paralysis community. His participation serves as a yearly tribute to his family’s legacy of advocacy and strength.

Tayshia Adams

The former star of ‘The Bachelorette’ completed the New York City Marathon and shared the emotional experience with her followers. She trained for several months to prepare for her first attempt at the twenty six mile distance. Adams used the race to raise awareness for humanitarian causes and to challenge herself physically. Her journey from reality television to marathon finisher was documented across social media.

Tyler Cameron

The television personality and model ran the New York City Marathon to support his foundation in honor of his late mother. He completed the race alongside several friends and family members while raising money for charity. Cameron has become a prominent figure in the New York running scene and often hosts group runs for fans. His athletic background in football helped him transition into the world of endurance sports.

Matt James

The first Black lead of ‘The Bachelor’ is an enthusiastic runner who has completed several marathons and half marathons. He often runs to support charitable initiatives that provide opportunities for underprivileged youth. James frequently shares his training progress and race day experiences with a large online audience. His focus on health and community service has defined his post television career.

Sean Combs

The music mogul known as Diddy ran the New York City Marathon in 2003 to raise money for children’s charities. He completed the race in four hours and fourteen minutes after only two months of intensive training. Combs turned the event into a major media spectacle that raised millions of dollars for schools in New York. His finish showed his determination to succeed in any challenge he undertakes.

Pamela Anderson

The ‘Baywatch’ actress ran the New York City Marathon in 2013 to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. She finished the race in under six hours and was greeted at the finish line by her family. Anderson used her global fame to bring attention to the ongoing needs of the Haitian people after the disaster. Her participation was a significant departure from her typical public image and showed her philanthropic side.

Drew Carey

The host of ‘The Price Is Right’ completed the Marine Corps Marathon after undergoing a significant weight loss journey. He used the race as a way to solidify his new healthy lifestyle and inspire others to do the same. Carey finished the event with a sense of pride and has continued to advocate for fitness in his later years. His transformation was a major topic of discussion in the entertainment industry.

Valerie Bertinelli

The actress and television personality ran the Boston Marathon to celebrate her fiftieth birthday. She completed the historic race while raising money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Bertinelli documented her training struggles and successes in her books and on her cooking shows. Her finish in Boston was a personal victory that resonated with many of her long time fans.

Meredith Vieira

The veteran journalist and television host completed the New York City Marathon alongside her husband to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. She balanced her demanding news schedule with long weekend training runs to build the necessary stamina. Vieira used her segment on ‘The Today Show’ to highlight the stories of other runners and their motivations. Her participation helped shed light on the challenges faced by families living with chronic illness.

Giuliana Rancic

The entertainment journalist and television host ran the Chicago Marathon to support her foundation FAB-U-WISH. She used the race to provide grants and experiences for women battling breast cancer. Rancic shared her personal health journey and how running helped her regain strength after her own medical challenges. Her finish in her hometown of Chicago was an emotional milestone for her and her family.

Alanis Morissette

The singer known for the album ‘Jagged Little Pill’ completed the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon to raise money for eating disorder awareness. She has spoken openly about using running as a tool for mental health and body positivity. Morissette finds the meditative quality of long distance running to be beneficial for her creative process. Her involvement in the sport aligns with her long history of advocating for wellness and self care.

Anthony Edwards

The ‘ER’ star is a veteran marathoner who has completed the New York City Marathon more than ten times. He is a co founder of the charity Shoe4Africa which builds schools and hospitals in Kenya. Edwards uses his love for running to directly impact the lives of children in East Africa through athletic events. His long term commitment to both the sport and the charity is a hallmark of his career.

David Eigenberg

The actor from ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Sex and the City’ has completed the Chicago Marathon to support local fire department charities. He is often seen running through the streets of Chicago as part of his daily fitness routine. Eigenberg uses his celebrity status to draw attention to the needs of first responders and their families. His participation in the local race is a way to give back to the city where he works.

Jennifer Carpenter

The actress who played Debra Morgan on ‘Dexter’ ran the New York City Marathon in under four hours. She is a dedicated athlete who often incorporates running into her preparation for intense physical roles. Carpenter has praised the running community for its support and the sense of accomplishment the sport provides. Her successful finish was a highlight of her personal fitness journey.

James Marsden

The ‘X-Men’ actor is a regular runner who completed the New York City Marathon to support various charitable organizations. He has a background in track and field and continues to prioritize physical fitness in his professional life. Marsden enjoys the competitive nature of marathons and the challenge of improving his personal best times. His athletic ability is often utilized in his diverse range of film roles.

Jonny Lee Miller

The ‘Elementary’ star has completed several marathons and ultra marathons including the grueling Marathon des Sables. He often runs to raise money for charities that support people with rare diseases. Miller is known for his extreme physical discipline and his willingness to tackle the world’s most difficult endurance events. His athletic achievements are a major part of his life outside of acting.

Eddie Izzard

The British comedian and activist famously completed twenty seven marathons in twenty seven days to raise money for Sport Relief. This incredible feat of endurance took place in South Africa to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Izzard has run hundreds of marathons across the United Kingdom and Europe for various charitable causes. Her resilience and determination have raised millions of pounds for people in need.

James Cracknell

The Olympic rowing champion transitioned to marathon running and completed the London Marathon in under three hours. He has also competed in some of the world’s most difficult endurance challenges in the Arctic and across deserts. Cracknell uses his platform as an elite athlete to promote physical activity and health policy. His marathon times are among the fastest for any celebrity athlete.

Dexter Fletcher

The director of ‘Rocketman’ and actor in ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ is a frequent participant in the London Marathon. He runs to support the arts and various youth charities in the United Kingdom. Fletcher often discusses the parallels between the endurance needed for film directing and marathon running. His presence at the London race is a yearly tradition for the British film community.

Chris Evans

The veteran British radio and television presenter is a staple of the London Marathon every year. He often broadcasts his training progress to millions of listeners to encourage them to get active. Evans has completed the race multiple times while raising significant funds for Children in Need. His enthusiastic support for the event has helped make it a highlight of the British sporting calendar.

Katherine Jenkins

The Welsh singer and classical crossover star completed the London Marathon to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of her father. She finished the race in five hours and twenty six minutes while being cheered on by fans across the city. Jenkins noted that the physical challenge was unlike anything she had ever experienced in her professional career. Her participation helped raise thousands of pounds for terminal illness support services.

Tell us about your favorite celebrity runner in the comments.