Celebrities Lace Up for NYC Marathon: Who's Running and Why?

The 2025 NYC Marathon is set to be a star-studded event, with a mix of actors, musicians, and athletes taking on the 26. 2-mile challenge. This year's lineup includes familiar faces like Anthony Ramos, who is pushing himself to new limits, and Oliver Phelps, known for his role as George Weasley in the Harry Potter films. Phelps is running to support The Matt Hamilton Foundation, which aids young athletes injured in sports. Broadway actors Jordan Litz and Merle Dandridge are also among the participants, raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Summer House star Carl Radke will make his marathon debut, running for the Release Recovery Foundation, which supports mental health and substance abuse treatment. Greek-American Olympian Alexi Pappas and American Olympic marathoner Des Linden will also be in the mix, along with rapper N. O. R. E. and musicians Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper from Death Cab for Cutie. While celebrities may not be running for the win, their participation adds a unique energy to the event. The NYC Marathon is known for its competitive field, making it tough for casual runners to secure a podium finish. However, celebrities like Edward Norton, Christy Turlington, and Tiki Barber have earned admiration for their perseverance. In 2021, Willie Geist completed the marathon in 3:58:23, and in 2024, Claire Holt set an impressive personal record of 3:42:43. The marathon is not just about speed; it's about the stories and causes behind each runner. Ryan Reynolds, inspired by Michael J. Fox in 2008, finished the race in 3 hours and 50 minutes. Other notable finishers include Katie Holmes, Pamela Anderson, Kevin Hart, and Randall Park. While no celebrity has officially won the NYC Marathon, their determination and spirit shine brightly. As the 2025 marathon approaches, fans can look forward to a mix of familiar faces and unexpected participants. The event is a celebration of endurance, with each runner bringing their own story and purpose to the race.