As the New York City Marathon gears up for another thrilling event, approximately 50,000 eager participants are preparing to embark on the challenging yet rewarding 26.2-mile journey from Staten Island to Central Park, set to take place on Sunday, November 5.
This year, the marathon boasts an array of well-known personalities taking part, including former ‘GMA3’ stars Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, ‘Today’ anchor Sheinelle Jones, ‘Catfish’ host Nev Schulman, and ‘Bros’ actor Luke Macfarlane. Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour, this event serves as a platform for both notable and less-publicized individuals to showcase their athleticism and lend support to various charitable causes. To celebrate this remarkable event, let’s dive into the inspiring stories of the prominent figures who’ve made their mark in previous New York City Marathons.
Source: Hello Magazine
Highlighted Celebrities Who Ran the New York City Marathon
Ryan Reynolds:
Ryan Reynolds In 2008, Ryan Reynolds laced up his running shoes to honor his father, who fought Parkinson’s and sadly succumbed to the disease in 2015. The ‘Deadpool’ star not only conquered the marathon but also raised funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s. Crossing the finish line in an impressive three hours and 50 minutes, Reynolds later expressed how seeing Michael J. Fox during the race gave him an extra push through the last six miles.
Katie Holmes:
Katie Holmes In 2007, amidst the cheers of her then-husband Tom Cruise and daughter Suri, Katie Holmes took on the marathon challenge. Her playlist, predominantly featuring Kanye West’s ‘Stronger,’ played a pivotal role in getting her across the finish line after five hours and 29 minutes of running. Sharing her experience at the Hoka One One’s Women Who Fly Panel in 2019, Holmes revealed how her brother’s specially curated playlist, combined with West’s music, provided the much-needed motivation during the marathon’s last stretch.
Ashton Kutcher:
Ashton Kutcher accomplished a remarkable feat during his inaugural marathon by raising over $1 million for his former non-profit organization, Thorn. Completing the race in three hours, 54 minutes, and one second, his journey was a personal challenge following a severe “autoimmune flair-up” in 2019 that left him hospitalized and unable to walk. Speaking on The Checkup in 2022, Kutcher reflected, “Realizing my transformation from being unable to walk to running a marathon within a three-year period made me acknowledge that I could leave that difficult phase behind and proclaim, ‘I’m back. I’m good.'”
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes:
Former ‘GMA3’ co-hosts, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, not only conquered the together but also found love while training for the race the previous year. Their nearly simultaneous finish times spoke volumes about their mutual support and determination, with Amy completing the race in four hours, 25 minutes, and 30 seconds, closely followed by T.J. in four hours, 25 minutes, and 31 seconds. Amy shared her victory on Instagram, emphasizing the power of camaraderie and teamwork in achieving their marathon goals.
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The Heart of the NYC Marathon: Diverse Journeys, Shared Inspiration
This marathon isn’t just about celebrities displaying their athletic prowess or supporting charitable causes. It’s a testament to human resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit to achieve personal milestones. The stories of individuals like Pamela Anderson, Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, Al Roker, Alicia Keys, Chelsea Clinton, Ellie Kemper, Willie Geist, Christy Turlington, Marcus Mumford, and Teri Hatcher reflect the diverse motivations and experiences that have shaped the history of the New York City Marathon.
Each participant, whether a seasoned runner or a first-time marathoner, has contributed a unique chapter to the marathon’s legacy, showcasing stories of endurance, dedication, and unwavering support for causes close to their hearts. Their remarkable journeys continue to inspire countless others to push their limits and embrace the joy of running, charity, and personal triumph.