Celebrities Running the Boston Marathon 2026

As the 130th running of the Boston Marathon approaches on April 20, 2026, a notable contingent of public figures from film, television, music, and sports has confirmed participation in the historic 26.2-mile race from Hopkinton to Boston. Organized by the Boston Athletic Association, the annual event continues to draw elite athletes alongside celebrities seeking to challenge themselves on one of the world’s most prestigious courses. This year’s celebrity roster includes actors, musicians, and former athletes who have publicly committed to running in support of various charitable causes, continuing a tradition that blends entertainment prominence with endurance athleticism.

Among the confirmed participants is actor John Krasinski, best known for his role as Jim Halpert on NBC’s “The Office” and his directorial work on the “A Quiet Place” film series. Krasinski, who completed the New York City Marathon in 2019, announced his Boston Marathon entry via Instagram in February 2026, stating he is running to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which assists first responders and military veterans. His representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Krasinski has been training with a running coach based in the Boston area since January.

Musician and activist Brittany Howard, lead singer of the Grammy-winning band Alabama Shakes, is also set to run the 2026 race. Howard, who has been open about her advocacy for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, told Rolling Stone in a March 2026 interview that she views the marathon as both a physical and spiritual challenge. She is running to raise funds for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth. Howard’s training updates have been shared intermittently on her verified Twitter account, where she has posted photos of long runs along the Charles River.

Former NBA player and current television analyst Shaquille O’Neal will also be on the course in April. O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and longtime TNT commentator, has completed multiple marathons in the past, including the Los Angeles Marathon in 2010 and 2015. In a segment on “Inside the NBA” aired March 14, 2026, O’Neal said he is running the Boston Marathon to honor his late mother and to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. His participation was later confirmed by the Boston Athletic Association’s official participant list, released March 28, 2026.

Actress Issa Rae, creator and star of HBO’s “Insecure,” is another high-profile entrant. Rae, who has spoken openly about her fitness journey in past interviews, announced her decision to run the Boston Marathon during a panel at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January. She is running in partnership with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, aiming to raise awareness and donations for voting rights initiatives. Rae’s training has been documented in a limited YouTube series titled “Issa Runs Boston,” produced by her media company Hoorae and released weekly since February.

Comedian and host Jimmy Fallon will also toe the line in Hopkinton. Fallon, host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on NBC, revealed his plans during a monologue on March 1, 2026, noting that he is running to support City Year, an education-focused nonprofit that places mentors in under-resourced schools. Fallon has referenced his training on several episodes of his show, often joking about the challenges of balancing late-night television with long-distance running preparation.

The Boston Marathon, first held in 1897, is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors. Entry is highly competitive, with qualifying times required for most participants. However, a limited number of charity bibs are available each year through official partners, allowing runners to gain entry by fundraising for designated causes. Many of the celebrities participating in 2026 are utilizing these charity entries, which require minimum fundraising commitments ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per runner, depending on the organization.

Weather conditions for the 2026 race are projected to be mild, with historical averages for late April in Boston ranging from the mid-40s to low 60s Fahrenheit. The race is scheduled to begin in waves starting at 8:00 a.m. ET, with mobility-impaired competitors starting first, followed by elite women, elite men, and then subsequent waves of general participants. Live coverage will be provided locally by WBZ-TV and nationally by ESPN, which has held the broadcast rights since 2018.

As of April 15, 2026, the Boston Athletic Association reported over 30,000 registered entrants for the 2026 marathon, including approximately 2,500 charity runners. While the full list of celebrity participants has not been officially released by the BAA, multiple representatives and publicists have confirmed individual entries to entertainment and sports outlets. The race will mark the 130th edition of the event, continuing a tradition that has seen participation from figures ranging from U.S. Presidents to Olympic medalists and now, in 2026, a diverse group of entertainers using the platform to support causes they champion.