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Celebrities That Have Run the Boston Marathon

From Will Ferrell to Tedy Bruschi to Danica Patrick, the Boston Marathon has often had some big name participants. When runners take the starting line this year, there will also…

Will Ferrell
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

From Will Ferrell to Tedy Bruschi to Danica Patrick, the Boston Marathon has often had some big name participants. When runners take the starting line this year, there will also be a few recognizable faces and names. In honor of the big day, we'll take a look at some celebrities that have run the Boston Marathon.

This Year's Race

When the participants take to the starting line in Hopkinton, MA on Monday morning, there may be a familiar head lined up above the rest. Boston Bruins legend, Zdeno Chara will be running this year. This will be in support of the The Thomas E. Smith Foundation and The Hoyt Foundation.

Former Red Sox pitcher, Ryan Dempster will also be running. Dempster was Boston's starting pitcher 10 years ago on Patriot's Day. This, of course, was the horrible Boston Marathon Bombing year. One of the people who tragically lost their life this day was Lingzi Lu. Dempster will be running in her honor and in support of the Lingzi Foundation.

Olympian Monica Puig, who won the gold medal in tennis during the 2016 games will also be running this year. She will then be running the London Marathon one week later in her attempt to run all six major marathons.

Marathon Monday

30,000 runners from over 100 countries are expected to participate this year. This course has a longstanding tradition as being one of the most renowned races. Last year's event raised $35.6 million for area non profit organizations.

Speaking of big names, and furthermore, in the spirit of this year's sure to be emotional race, we'll highlight celebrities that have run the Boston Marathon in the past.

Joey McIntyre

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Boston native, and New Kids on The Block member, Joey McIntyre has run twice (2013 and 2014).


Danica Patrick

GettyImages-1357465096.jpgMike Coppola/Getty Images

Former professional race car driver, Danica Patrick ran her first Boston Marathon in 2021. She was in support of former New England Patriot Matt Light's foundation.


Tedy Bruschi

GettyImages-112206953.jpgJim Rogash/Getty Images

Bruschi has run the Marathon three times. All have been in support of this foundation Tedy's Team. He's also create a great slogan - three rings, three medals.


Lance Armstrong

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Known for his racing skills in cycling, Armstrong ran Boston in 2008. His time was a stunning 2:50:58.


Christy Turlington

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Model Christy Turlington ran in 2016 after qualifying via the London Marathon. Her first marathon was New York in 2011.


Will Ferrell

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Actor, comedian, Will Ferrell ran in 2003. He finished in under four hours!


Mario Lopez

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Lopez ran in 2002 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.