Running marathons is not just a physical challenge but a passion for many celebrities. From Claire Holt's first marathon in 2022 to Peter Weber's multiple participations, these stars have shown their dedication and love for the sport. Read on to discover their stories.

Uncover the Marathon Stories of Your Favorite Celebrities

Claire Holt: From Novice to Marathon Hero

Claire Holt was an avid runner but it was in 2022 that she took on her first marathon. She prepared for the New York City Marathon with 20 weeks of intense training. By crossing the finish line, she not only achieved a personal goal but also helped raise $162,000 for Boston Children's Hospital. As she wrote on her website in 2023, "For as long as I can remember, I've loved to run...never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd willingly sign up to run a marathon — and what's even more wild is how dedicated I became to it." Hundreds of miles, billions of bagels, and many tears later, she was glad she did it.Her journey shows that with determination and the support of family and friends, one can achieve great things. Running became more than just a sport for her; it was a way to make a difference.

Nev Schulman: Running as the Best Medicine

Nev Schulman loves to run and has participated in the New York City Marathon many times since 2015. He is typically one of the fastest celebrities, once achieving a time of 2:58. In his 30s, he realized that running is the "best medicine" for his happiness. This realization gave him major inspiration when he broke his neck in a near-fatal bike crash in 2024.Despite the hospital stay and intense surgery, Nev was motivated to keep moving forward. He wanted to run in the New York City Marathon as a guide to a blind runner, Francesco Magisano. With a miraculous recovery, he was able to start running again just months after the accident. His story shows the power of perseverance and how running can help one overcome even the toughest challenges.

Kevin Hart: From Comedy to Marathon Runner

Kevin Hart is an active runner who has participated in several marathons. Before his first big race, he hosted pop-up 5Ks as part of his comedy tours and ran with hundreds of fans. In 2017, he set a goal to complete the New York City Marathon, his first major race. He trained whenever he could, even waking up at 4 am to run 11 miles.During long runs, Kevin finds peace and creativity. He believes that running is a reminder that one can achieve anything with determination. His story shows that even celebrities with busy lives can find time to pursue their passions.

Casey Neistat: Proving the Doctors Wrong

YouTuber Casey Neistat was injured in a scooter accident in 2007 and underwent surgery where his femur was replaced with a steel rod. Doctors said he would never run again, but he set out to prove them wrong. He hoped to accomplish a sub-3 marathon and has now completed over 25 marathons. In 2023, he finally achieved his goal.His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and not giving up. He shows that with hard work and determination, one can overcome any obstacle.

Karlie Kloss: Challenging Herself in Running

Karlie Kloss was always athletic but running wasn't her favorite pastime. She excelled at short distances but in 2015, she decided to challenge herself by attempting a half marathon. She trained for a race in Paris and then went on to run the New York City Marathon in 2017. Since then, she has participated in several more half marathons.Running a half marathon was a new experience for her, taking her out of her comfort zone. Her story shows that by pushing oneself outside of one's comfort zone, one can discover new passions and abilities.

Mario Lopez: From Athlete to Marathon Lover

Mario Lopez grew up as an athlete but it was as an adult that he truly began to love running. He started with just a few miles with a friend and worked his way up to running five to seven days a week, sometimes over 10 miles. In 2002, he ran his first race, the Boston Marathon, in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Since then, he has participated in numerous marathons, including the New York City Marathon.Running has become an important part of his life, giving him energy and endurance. His story shows that running is a journey that can start at any time and bring many benefits.

Christy Turlington: From Nonprofit to Marathon Runner

When Christy Turlington ran her first marathon in 2012, she didn't consider herself a runner. She simply wanted to support her nonprofit, Every Mother Counts. Since then, she has found a passion for running and has completed all six world marathons: Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, London, and New York. She has even run the New York City Marathon 10 times.For Christy, running is a way to enjoy the moment and be part of a community. She recommends running for a charity as it gives an extra motivation. Her story shows that running can have a positive impact on both oneself and others.

Matt James: From Passion to Marathon Participation

For former Bachelor Matt James, running has been a lifelong passion but it wasn't until the past few years that he became truly invested in long distance races. In 2019, he ran in the Chicago Marathon and then in 2021, he took part in the New York City Marathon, which he has now completed four times. He has also run in the London Marathon.Matt loves the community aspect of running and the whole process of training. He believes that the marathon day is great energy, but the journey leading up to it is the most enjoyable. His story shows that running is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

Alicia Keys: Running in Greece and Beyond

Alicia Keys has run several marathons, with the first one completed during a trip to Greece. She felt that Greece is the home of the marathon, so it was a natural choice for her. Although she initially thought it would be her only marathon, she ran again in 2015 at the New York City Marathon in support of Keep a Child Alive.Her story shows that running can take one on unexpected journeys and that one can find new motivations along the way. It is about breaking mental boundaries and pushing oneself to new heights.

Zac Clark: The Marathon Anchor

The Bachelorette alum Zac Clark has been an avid marathon runner for years. In 2024, he participated in the New York City Marathon for the 10th time, raising money for his foundation Release Recovery. He has been taking part in the marathon since he first moved to New York.Each year of the marathon has a story for him, beyond the time on the watch. It is a day of unity and love, where he feels proud of himself for showing up and going. His story shows the importance of perseverance and the impact that running can have on one's life.

Peter Weber: Joining the Marathon Community

Former Bachelor Peter Weber has become invested in marathon running and has participated in the race on several occasions. Running the NYC Marathon was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He had no idea what to expect but is glad he did it.His story shows that with the right mindset and determination, one can achieve great things. Running with the energy of New York City is a unique experience that he will always remember.