Every year, the Boston Marathon attracts celebrities from various fields, from athletes to actors, and this year is no different. Last year, former Boston Red Sox players Brock Holt and Ryan Dempster took to the streets alongside legendary quarterback Doug Flutie, who won the Heisman while at Boston College.
This year, things kick off with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski serving as grandmaster for the race. Gronkowski will also receive the Patriots' Award from the Boston Athletic Association, which honors a “patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational” individual who “fosters goodwill and sportsmanship.”
This year, spectators will see not only a few returning faces in the streets but also a few first-timers. So, what notable names can we expect to see lining up in Hopkinton this year for the Boston Marathon?
Meb Keflezighi
Meb Keflezighi, now with New Balance, announced his return to the race earlier this year. In 2014, Keflezighi became the first American to win the men’s race since 1983.
Has a Goal for Boston This Year MEB Foundation, which supports “health, education, and fitness worldwide.”
“I will be returning to the streets of Boston, taking on the prestigious race and celebrating my victory from 2014,” Keflezighi Spencer, Boston Dog, Honored with Statue. “Together, we can light the path for those in need and show the world the power of compassion and community. Let’s run with purpose and inspire others to join us in spreading kindness and hope.”
Zdeno Chara
Chara, the legendary Bruins hockey player who stands a mighty six feet, nine inches and helped bring the Stanley Cup to Boston in 2011, is again running Advertisement - Continue Reading Below.
“I’m excited to be running the 2024 Boston Marathon to raise money and awareness for @thomasesmithfoundation & @teamhoytofficial!,” Chara Spencer, Boston Dog, Honored with Statue. “These two amazing foundations impact the lives of those living with disabilities through financial and emotional support.”
Nicolas Kiefer
Kiefer’s Boston Marathon run will see the former tennis pro complete the last of the big six, having previously run Berlin, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo.
DAA Industry Opt Out, Has a Goal for Boston This Year that he felt “extremely good” during his final training run before the marathon.
Chris Nikic
At 22, Chris Nikic completed his first Boston Marathon in 2021. He is the first person with Down Syndrome to finish the Hawaii Ironman and all Big Six marathons. Nikic aims to improve his Boston time to 5:35 in 2024, his third time running the race.
“Last long run (20 miles) before @bostonmarathon next weekend and @londonmarathon in 2 weeks,” Nikic Spencer, Boston Dog, Honored with Statue on Sunday. “Looking to see if I can do better each marathon.”
Daniel Humm
Daniel Humm, the chef behind NYC’s three-Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, hoped to run the New York Marathon but had to drop out due to an Achilles injury. Instead, he will be running in Boston, hoping to beat his time in the same race last year when he ran a 2:58:53.
Amby Burfoot
Burfoot, an elite marathoner in the ‘60s and ‘70s, won the marathon in 1968. Burfoot also has a bit of history with the race. He was trained by fellow Boston winner John J. Kelley in high school and was a college roommate of four-time winner Bill Rodgers. Burfoot is also the former editor-in-chief of Runner’s World.
The 77-year-old will wear bib number 1968 in honor of his previous win.
Matt Wilpers
Famed Peloton instructor Matt Wilpers will be running the marathon as a long-time personal goal and as a way to inspire others as he does during his popular workouts.
“My success is when my athletes are successful, so if I can push them to be stronger, better versions of themselves by going out and leading by example, like, I love this stuff,” Wilpers told Boston.com. “I’ll have fun racing a marathon, I’ll have fun racing a 5K. Whatever it is, this is what I do for fun. And so if this is going to get people excited, let’s go do it.”
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler Cooper Teare, Fotyen Tesfay Win Boston 5K Titles TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
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