Retired NASA Astronaut Suni Williams to Run in 130th Boston Marathon

Williams, who spent months aboard the ISS, will also receive the Patriot Award from the Boston Athletic Association.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Recently retired NASA astronaut Suni Williams, a Massachusetts native who was stuck aboard the International Space Station for months after trouble with an experimental spacecraft, will run in the upcoming 130th Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association confirmed that Williams, who spent over 27 years at NASA and logged 608 days in space, will be among the thousands racing on April 20.

Why it matters

Williams' participation in the Boston Marathon is significant as she is a trailblazing astronaut who has set records for the most spacewalking time by a woman. Her journey from space to the starting line of one of the world's most prestigious marathons is an inspiring story of perseverance and the human spirit.

The details

Williams, a former Navy captain and Needham, Massachusetts, native, will be running the Boston Marathon for the first time since attempting the race at age 17 in high-top sneakers. She also made history in 2007 as the first person to complete the 26.2 miles while in space. This year, the Boston Athletic Association will also be honoring Williams with the Patriot Award, which is presented annually to a patriotic, philanthropic and inspirational figure.

  • Williams retired from NASA at the end of 2025.
  • The 130th Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The players

Suni Williams

A recently retired NASA astronaut who spent over 27 years at the agency and logged 608 days in space over three station missions. She also set a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman: 62 hours during nine excursions.

Butch Wilmore

A fellow NASA astronaut who returned to Earth with Williams in March 2025 after a planned one-week test flight into space turned into a 286-day odyssey due to issues with their vehicle's thrusters.

Boston Athletic Association

The organization that organizes the annual Boston Marathon and will be honoring Williams with the Patriot Award, presented to a patriotic, philanthropic and inspirational figure.

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What they’re saying

“I turned 60 this year, so why not give it another shot?”

— Suni Williams (WCVB)

“I had high-top sneakers. I didn't have running shoes, and they were hurting my feet. So I just gave them my mom, and I said, 'Okay, I'll finish with this guy,' and I'm just going to run barefoot.”

— Suni Williams (WCVB)

What’s next

The 130th Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 20, 2026, where Suni Williams will be among the thousands of runners participating.

The takeaway

Suni Williams' journey from space to the starting line of the Boston Marathon is an inspiring story of perseverance and the human spirit. Her participation in this prestigious event, along with her recognition with the Patriot Award, highlights her remarkable accomplishments as a trailblazing astronaut and her continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.