Retired NASA Astronaut to Run Boston Marathon

Suni Williams, who spent months aboard the International Space Station, will compete in this year's race.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association confirmed that Williams will be among the thousands racing on April 20.

Why it matters

Williams' participation in the Boston Marathon is noteworthy as she is a trailblazing astronaut who has set records for the most spacewalking time by a woman. Her return to the iconic race after previously completing it while in space will inspire many.

The details

Williams, 60, a former Navy captain and Needham, Massachusetts, native, spent more than 27 years at NASA, logging 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. Williams retired from NASA at the end of the year and will now compete in the Boston Marathon.

  • Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore returned to Earth in March 2025 after a planned one-week test flight into space turned into a 286-day odyssey.
  • Williams will run in the upcoming Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026.

The players

Suni Williams

A recently retired NASA astronaut from Massachusetts who spent over 27 years at NASA, logging 608 days in space over three station missions and setting a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman.

Butch Wilmore

A NASA astronaut who returned to Earth with Suni Williams in March 2025 after their planned one-week test flight turned into a 286-day odyssey.

Boston Athletic Association

The organization that confirmed Suni Williams will be among the thousands racing in the upcoming Boston Marathon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Boston Athletic Association will be honoring Williams with the Patriot Award, which is presented annually to a patriotic, philanthropic and inspirational figure, during the Boston Marathon.

The takeaway

Suni Williams' participation in the Boston Marathon after her record-breaking career as a NASA astronaut will inspire many and highlight the remarkable achievements of women in STEM fields.