Massachusetts Celebrities Who Have Run the Boston Marathon

From actors to musicians, a look at famous Bay Staters who have completed the iconic race.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:18am

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The Boston Marathon attracts thousands of runners each year, including several notable celebrities from Massachusetts. Former Boston Bruins player Zdeno Chára, cyclist Lance Armstrong, and Dropkick Murphys member Jeff DaRosa have all competed in the race. Other Massachusetts-born celebrities who have run the Boston Marathon include actress Uzo Aduba, country singer Jo Dee Messina, golfer Scott Stallings, and New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntyre.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is a beloved tradition in Massachusetts, drawing runners from all walks of life, including many local celebrities. These famous faces running the race helps to highlight the event's significance and inspire others in the community to take on the challenge.

The details

Several Massachusetts-born celebrities have completed the Boston Marathon over the years. Actress Uzo Aduba, known for her role in 'Orange is the New Black,' ran the race in 2015 with a time of 5:03:24. Country singer Jo Dee Messina, from Framingham, ran in 2006 despite a knee injury. Professional golfer Scott Stallings, from Worcester, finished the 2025 marathon in 4:10:19. Troy Hoyt, the grandson of legendary runner Dick Hoyt, has also completed multiple Boston Marathons. Race director Dave McGillivray, a Medford native, has run the race himself multiple times and plans to do so again this year.

  • The 2026 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 20.
  • Uzo Aduba ran the Boston Marathon in 2015.
  • Jo Dee Messina ran the Boston Marathon in 2006.
  • Scott Stallings completed the 2025 Boston Marathon.
  • Troy Hoyt has finished multiple Boston Marathons.

The players

Zdeno Chára

Former Boston Bruins player who has run the Boston Marathon.

Lance Armstrong

Ex-professional cyclist who has run the Boston Marathon.

Jeff DaRosa

Member of the band Dropkick Murphys who is running in the 2026 Boston Marathon.

Uzo Aduba

Actress known for her role in 'Orange is the New Black' who completed the 2015 Boston Marathon.

Jo Dee Messina

Country singer from Framingham who ran the 2006 Boston Marathon despite a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you're going through hills like Heartbreak Hill (the Boston Marathon's final, legendary incline) or hills like prison sentences, if you keep going the other side of the hill is down. You just have to push through because what's on the other side is glorious.”

— Uzo Aduba, Actress

“When my grandfather could no longer push Rick in races, I had the honor of stepping behind the chair. Rick and I were always close but that experience we shared changed my reason for running. I now know the answer to every challenge is YES YOU CAN!”

— Troy Hoyt, Grandson of Dick Hoyt

“I am no Johnny Kelley. I am just grateful to still be here, still running, and still part of the greatest race in the world.”

— Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director

“Running a marathon makes you realize that 'impossible' is simply a complaint; 'possible' is a daily philosophy.”

— Shane Sager, Harmonica Player for Sting

“It's such a privilege to be a part of this town. This race. This comeback. This home.”

— Joey McIntyre

What’s next

The 2026 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 20, and many of the celebrity runners mentioned plan to participate, including Jeff DaRosa of the Dropkick Murphys and Troy Hoyt, the grandson of legendary runner Dick Hoyt.

The takeaway

The Boston Marathon's celebrity participants highlight the event's significance in the Massachusetts community and inspire others to take on the challenge of completing this iconic race.