Boston Marathon 2025: Celebrity Runners and Their Stories

The 2025 Boston Marathon was a big deal, with 30, 000 runners hitting the streets. Among them were some famous faces, each with their own reasons for taking on the 26. 2-mile challenge. One of the notable participants was Matt James, known for his role on "The Bachelor. " This was his second time running the marathon, and he also worked as a commentator for ESPN and WCVB. James managed to finish with a time of 3:36:54, which is pretty impressive considering he was also reporting during the race. He shared that hearing the stories of other runners made the experience even more special. Another familiar name was Amby Burfoot, a legendary marathoner who won the Boston Marathon in 1968. Burfoot, now 78, ran with bib number 1968 to honor his historic victory. His time this year was 4:51:47, a testament to his enduring love for the sport. Dave McGillivray, the race director, is known for his unique role in the marathon. He often starts the race late, ensuring everything runs smoothly before hitting the course himself. This year, he finished with a time of 5:06:03, his 53rd marathon. The marathon also saw Paula Radcliffe, a former world record holder in the women's marathon. She wore bib number 215, representing her old record time of 2:15:25. Radcliffe finished with a time of 2:53:44, earning her the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal. Brian Diemer, an Olympian, ran his first marathon with a time of 3:56:45. He wore bib number 1984, commemorating his bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1984 Olympics. Scott Stallings, a professional golfer, turned to marathon training after a shoulder injury. This was his first marathon, and he finished with a time of 4:10:19. Drew Carter, the voice of the Boston Celtics, also ran his first marathon, completing it in 3:48:02. He saw it as a way to use his platform to do good and have fun. Peter Eliopoulos, a WCVB reporter, ran for Tedy’s Team, supporting stroke victims. His time was 3:56:44, and he described it as the hardest and most amazing thing he had ever done. Emily Maher, another WCVB reporter, ran for the Matt Brown Foundation, which helps those affected by long-term illness or injury. She finished with a time of 5:42:51, her second marathon for a good cause. Two NBC 10 Boston reporters, Matt Prichard and Malcolm Johnson, also joined the race. Prichard raised money for Boston Medical Center, finishing in 4:54:35. Johnson ran for Boston Children’s Hospital, completing the marathon in 3:42:44. Shane Sager, a musician who plays with Sting’s touring band, ran to raise money for pediatric cancer research. His time was 4:35:14, and he saw it as a way to bring light into the lives of children battling cancer. Jess Healey, a hockey player from the PWHL’s Boston Fleet, ran the marathon in 4:02:03. Her teammates cheered her on as she navigated the course. The 2025 Boston Marathon was more than just a race; it was a showcase of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. Whether they were celebrities, athletes, or everyday heroes, each runner brought their unique story to the event. The marathon is a testament to the human spirit, where every participant, regardless of their fame or background, can find a sense of accomplishment and purpose.