70-Year-Old to Run 41st Boston Marathon with Son

Michael Davis will be joined by his son Nick as they tackle the iconic race together.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Boston Marathon as a series of overlapping, fragmented shapes in navy, red, and yellow, capturing the race's energy and tradition.A father-son duo's shared journey to conquer the iconic Boston Marathon showcases the enduring power of family, fitness, and the human spirit.Boston Today

For most people, running a single marathon is a lifetime achievement. But for 70-year-old Michael Davis, the upcoming Boston Marathon will mark his 41st time crossing the starting line. This year, he won't be running alone - his son Nick is tackling the iconic race for the very first time, joining his father on the journey.

Why it matters

Michael Davis' story proves that staying active can deliver rewards well into retirement, encouraging others to get active now while they still can. The Boston Marathon also has a long history of inspiring athletes across generations, and for the Davis family, being part of that legacy adds even more significance to their race.

The details

Michael Davis has participated in the Boston Marathon for decades, building a routine centered on consistency and long-term health. He's also completed 27 Ironman races, showcasing his lifelong dedication to fitness and endurance sports. While Michael is a seasoned marathoner, his son Nick is stepping into a completely new challenge, having previously pursued a career in dance and performance before transitioning into fitness training.

  • Michael Davis has participated in the Boston Marathon 41 times.
  • Nick Davis is running the Boston Marathon for the first time.

The players

Michael Davis

A 70-year-old runner who has participated in the Boston Marathon 41 times and completed 27 Ironman races, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to fitness and endurance sports.

Nick Davis

Michael Davis' son, who is tackling the Boston Marathon for the very first time, having previously pursued a career in dance and performance before transitioning into fitness training.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I found my way through fitness in a little bit of a different way. I grew up as a competitive dancer and professional dancer, and it's so connected to the world of fitness that I made my way over here in a pretty swift transition. I'm following in the footsteps of my family.'”

— Nick Davis

What’s next

The 41st Boston Marathon for Michael Davis and his son Nick will take place on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Michael Davis' story of running the Boston Marathon 41 times and being joined by his son Nick for the first time is an inspiring example of how staying active can deliver rewards well into retirement. It also highlights the Boston Marathon's unique legacy of inspiring athletes across generations.