Astronaut Suni Williams to 'dig deep' in 130th Boston Marathon

The former NASA astronaut and Massachusetts native is preparing to race in the iconic event.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:18am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a marathon runner, with the runner's face and body dissolved into unrecognizable splatters of paint, capturing the raw athleticism and challenge of the race.A former astronaut's quest to conquer the iconic Boston Marathon course once again showcases the boundless determination of the human spirit.Boston Today

Astronaut Suni Williams, a Massachusetts native who spent over 27 years at NASA and logged more than 600 days in space, will be among the thousands racing in the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday. Williams, who retired from NASA at the end of 2025, says marathons always intimidate her but that she's experienced enough to give herself grace if needed along the 26.2-mile course.

Why it matters

Williams is a trailblazing astronaut who has set records for the most spacewalking time by a woman. Her participation in the Boston Marathon, one of the world's most prestigious running events, will inspire many and highlight the athletic prowess of astronauts.

The details

Williams, 60, a former Navy captain and Needham 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 2025. She previously ran the Boston Marathon at age 17 as an unofficial participant and finished the race without shoes. In 2007, she also made history as the first person to complete the 26.2 miles while in space.

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

The players

Suni Williams

A former NASA astronaut and Massachusetts native who spent over 27 years at NASA, logging more than 600 days in space and setting a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman.

Butch Wilmore

A fellow 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.

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What they’re saying

“They always intimidate me. They're always terrible at some point in time.”

— Suni Williams, Astronaut

“It's going to be hard. So, at some point in time, you're just going to have to dig deep a little bit just to keep going.”

— Suni Williams, Astronaut

What’s next

The 130th Boston Marathon is set to take place on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

Suni Williams' participation in the Boston Marathon as a former NASA astronaut and record-setting spacewalker will inspire many and highlight the athletic prowess of those who have reached the heights of space exploration.