Cynthia Erivo Balances 'Dracula' Stage Show and London Marathon Training

The Tony winner discusses how her marathon prep complements her demanding theater performance schedule.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering sequins in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the intensity and glamour of Cynthia Erivo's dual pursuits of marathon running and theatrical performance.The physical and mental rigor of Cynthia Erivo's marathon training and stage show schedule is reflected in the dramatic textures and lighting of this conceptual portrait.Brooklyn Today

Cynthia Erivo, the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winner, is currently starring in a one-woman Dracula show on the West End in London while also training for the upcoming London Marathon. Erivo, who has run the marathon before, is partnering with Brooks Running for her training and will appear in the brand's new Shine Under Pressure campaign. She explains how her marathon prep helps fuel her stage performance endurance, and how she and fellow actress Ariana Grande continue to support each other after co-starring in Wicked.

Why it matters

Erivo's ability to excel at both demanding physical feats like marathon running and high-intensity theatrical performances showcases her exceptional talent and dedication. Her training regimen and partnership with Brooks Running also provide an inside look at how top entertainers maintain their health and fitness to sustain rigorous schedules.

The details

Erivo is currently starring in a one-woman Dracula show on the West End in London, performing eight shows a week for 16 straight weeks. In the midst of this, she is also training for the upcoming London Marathon, her third time running the 26.2-mile race. Erivo says the marathon training is helping prepare her physically and mentally for the marathon-like demands of her stage show. She is working with a trainer to build up her tempo and endurance, aiming to beat her previous marathon time of 3 hours and 35 minutes. Erivo is partnering with Brooks Running for her training, wearing the brand's gear and appearing in its new Shine Under Pressure campaign that provides an inside look at her preparation.

  • Erivo is currently starring in the one-woman Dracula show on the West End, performing eight shows a week for 16 straight weeks.
  • The London Marathon that Erivo is training for will take place on April 26, 2026.
  • Erivo previously ran the London Marathon in 2024, finishing in 3 hours and 35 minutes.

The players

Cynthia Erivo

A Grammy, Tony, and Emmy-winning actress currently starring in a one-woman Dracula show on the West End in London while also training for the upcoming London Marathon.

Ariana Grande

Erivo's co-star in the musical Wicked, with whom she remains close and continues to support each other's endeavors.

Erika Kemp

Erivo's personal trainer who is helping her prepare for the London Marathon by focusing on tempo and endurance.

Brooks Running

The athletic apparel brand that is partnering with Erivo for her marathon training and appearing in its new Shine Under Pressure campaign.

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What they’re saying

“The wonderful thing is that they are coinciding, and I'm strangely using the marathon training to help me prepare for the show at night. It's a way to bring my energy up and get my body ready for that kind of work.”

— Cynthia Erivo, Actress

“Ari is in L.A. currently, and so we're FaceTiming back and forth and texting all the time. She sent the most wonderful, beautiful flowers on my opening night. She's just very, very supportive, and she keeps checking on me, and she wants to make sure that I'm okay.”

— Cynthia Erivo, Actress

What’s next

Erivo will continue her intense training regimen to prepare for the London Marathon on April 26, 2026, with the goal of beating her previous time of 3 hours and 35 minutes. She will also continue performing her one-woman Dracula show on the West End through the spring.

The takeaway

Cynthia Erivo's ability to excel at both demanding physical feats like marathon running and high-intensity theatrical performances showcases her exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft. Her training regimen and supportive relationship with fellow actress Ariana Grande provide inspiration for how top entertainers maintain their health and support one another through challenging endeavors.