Running a marathon is no small feat. It requires months of training, dedication, and mental strength to complete the 26.2-mile journey. Many celebrities have taken on this challenge, each with their own motivations, from raising money for charity to achieving personal goals. Below, we explore the stories of 25 famous individuals who have crossed the marathon finish line, showcasing their impressive times and inspiring reasons for running.
1. Harry Styles: A Speedy Finish in Berlin
Harry Styles, the global music superstar, recently ran the BMW Berlin-Marathon on September 21, 2025. He completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 13 seconds, showcasing his athletic ability alongside his musical talents. His participation highlights how celebrities can use their platform to inspire others to take on challenging goals.
2. Pamela Anderson: Running for a Cause
Pamela Anderson, known for her roles in television and film, ran the 2013 ING New York City Marathon alongside her brother Gerry. She finished in 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 3 seconds. Anderson’s participation was driven by her desire to raise awareness for charity, proving that marathons are about more than just running—they’re about making a difference.
3. Will Ferrell: Humor and Heart
Comedian Will Ferrell brought his signature humor to the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Halloween Half Marathon, sporting a Ron Burgundy mustache and a “Funny or Die” T-shirt. He finished the 13.1-mile race in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 50 seconds. Ferrell has also tackled multiple full marathons, showing his commitment to fitness and supporting causes like the ASPCA.
4. Oprah Winfrey: Defying the Odds
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey ran her first marathon at the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Despite wet conditions, the then-40-year-old finished in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 20 seconds. Her achievement inspired many, proving that determination can lead to incredible accomplishments.
5. Willie Geist: A Strong New York Finish
Television host Willie Geist crossed the finish line of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon with a time of 3 hours, 58 minutes, and 23 seconds, averaging 9:06 per mile. His dedication to training and running showcases how busy professionals can still prioritize fitness.
6. Uzo Aduba: Running for Cancer Research
Uzo Aduba, star of Orange Is the New Black, ran the 2015 Boston Marathon to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Boston native finished in 5 hours, 3 minutes, and 24 seconds. As a former sprinter at Boston University, Aduba’s transition to long-distance running was inspiring.
7. Claire Holt: Improving with Time
Actress Claire Holt ran the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 12 seconds. She returned in 2024, improving her time to 3 hours, 42 minutes, and 43 seconds. Her progress shows the rewards of persistence and training.
8. Alicia Keys: Charity and Endurance
Singer Alicia Keys ran the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon to raise funds for her charity, Keep a Child Alive. She completed the race in 5 hours, 50 minutes, and 52 seconds, using her platform to support a meaningful cause.
9. Natalie Dormer: A London Marathon Star
Actress Natalie Dormer completed the 2016 Virgin London Marathon in 3 hours, 51 minutes, and 21 seconds. Although slightly slower than her 2014 race, her consistent participation highlights her love for running and fitness.
10. Yaniv “Nev” Schulman: A Fast Pace
Catfish host Yaniv “Nev” Schulman ran the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon in 3 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds, with an impressive 7:44 per mile pace. His enthusiasm at the finish line was contagious.
11. Cynthia Erivo: A Multi-Marathon Runner
Actress Cynthia Erivo completed the 2022 TCS London Marathon in 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 36 seconds. She also ran the New York City Marathon in under 4 hours, proving her strength as a multi-marathon athlete.
12. Kevin Hart: Comedy Meets Endurance
Comedian Kevin Hart finished the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon in 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds. His participation brought humor and inspiration to the running community.
13. Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes: A Team Effort
Television personalities Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes ran the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon together, finishing in 1 hour and 57 minutes. The duo has also completed multiple full marathons, showcasing their teamwork and dedication.
14. Ryan Reynolds: A Strong 2008 Run
Actor Ryan Reynolds ran the 2008 New York City Marathon in 3 hours and 50 minutes. His performance highlighted his commitment to fitness long before his superhero roles.
15. Ashton Kutcher: Running with Purpose
Ashton Kutcher crossed the finish line of the 2022 New York City Marathon in 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 1 second, with an 8:56 per mile pace. His participation added star power to the event.
16. Colin Farrell: Running for a Friend
Actor Colin Farrell ran the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon to raise funds for Epidermolysis Bullosa, finishing in 4 hours, 6 minutes, and 45 seconds. His run honored his friend Emma Fogarty.
17. Karlie Kloss: A Model Runner
Supermodel Karlie Kloss completed the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon in 4 hours, 41 minutes, and 50 seconds, with a pace of 10:45 per mile. Her effort showed that anyone can take on a marathon.
18. Gordon Ramsay: Cooking Up a Marathon
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay ran the 2012 Virgin London Marathon in 4 hours and 26 minutes. His competitive spirit shone through in his strong finish.
19. Ethan Hawke: A Steady Pace
Actor Ethan Hawke finished the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes. His participation added to the event’s star-studded lineup.
20. Mario Lopez: Running with Style
TV host Mario Lopez completed the 2011 New York City Marathon in 4 hours and 23 minutes, with a 10:03 per mile pace. His charisma made him a fan favorite on the course.
21. Valerie Bertinelli: A Milestone Run
Actress Valerie Bertinelli ran the 2010 Boston Marathon just before her 50th birthday, finishing in 5 hours, 14 minutes, and 37 seconds. She raised funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
22. Christy Turlington Burns: Running for Mothers
Model Christy Turlington Burns ran the 2015 London Marathon in 3 hours, 46 minutes, and 45 seconds to support her nonprofit, Every Mother Counts. Her run helped raise awareness for maternal health.
23. Teri Hatcher: A Family Affair
Actress Teri Hatcher ran the 2014 New York City Marathon in 5 hours, 6 minutes, and 42 seconds. She returned in 2018 with her daughter to raise money for Save the Children.
24. Katie Holmes: A Memorable Run
Actress Katie Holmes completed the 2007 New York City Marathon in 5 hours, 29 minutes, and 58 seconds. Her participation drew significant attention to the event.
25. Chelsea Clinton: A Repeat Runner
Chelsea Clinton ran the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 34 seconds. Her fastest marathon time was 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 51 seconds, showing her improvement over time.
Why Celebrities Run Marathons
Celebrities run marathons for various reasons, from personal achievement to supporting charities. Their participation brings attention to important causes and inspires fans to pursue their own fitness goals. Whether it’s Harry Styles’ sub-3-hour finish or Pamela Anderson’s charity run, these stories show that marathons are about perseverance, community, and making a difference.
