Boston’s famous race course is set to shine brighter this year as a myriad of celebrities and athletic legends lace up to tackle the iconic 26.2-mile Boston Marathon. Monday is not just another race day; it’s an intersection where entertainment meets endurance. Among the sea of 30,000 participants, keen eyes might catch a glimpse of some renowned figures including former Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and “The Bachelor” star Matt James.
Athletic Icons Taking the Challenge
The imposing figure of Zdeno Chara, a towering legend from the Boston Bruins, will dominate the course for the third year in a row. Known for much more than his hockey prowess, Chara races to support the Thomas E. Smith Foundation and the Hoyt Foundation, honoring the indelible legacy left by the father-son team of Dick and Rick Hoyt.
In a more poignant run, Alice Cook continues to inspire in her third marathon since an ALS diagnosis. This former Olympic skater, now battling a challenging condition, shines a spotlight on hope through adversity, running to champion Compassionate Care ALS.
Familiar Faces in New Roles
“The Bachelor” star Matt James trades roses for running shoes, taking on the race while reporting live for ESPN and WCVB-TV. His presence not only excites reality TV fans but also underlines how the Boston Marathon attracts diverse personalities from all walks of life.
Olympian Brian Diemer, once a steadfast voice against marathon running, takes a new leap alongside his daughter. As he ventures into his first marathon, it’s a testament to the race’s power to transform convictions and foster shared experiences.
Legends of the Past and Present
The likes of marathon great Amby Burfoot return to rekindle the fires of past triumphs. At 77, Burfoot dons bib 1968 to reflect on his historic win, encapsulating how the marathon unites generations of runners under one race history spanning decades.
Dave McGillivray, the Boston Marathon’s course director and a perennial competitor, continues a family tradition as his son Luke joins the formidable ranks, highlighting the personal stories interwoven in every race stride.
Community Spirit and Newbie Enthusiasm
Professional golfer Scott Stallings swaps the green for the city streets, running his debut marathon with a cause close to his heart: raising funds for Golf Fights Cancer. His personal journey from professional sports injuries to marathon enthusiasm embodies the spirit of setting new personal milestones.
A welcoming field for novices and veterans alike, the Boston Marathon 2025 extends its embrace to all, from newsroom talents like Drew Carter to enduring sports icons reshaping their narratives through running.
As stated in Boston.com, the Boston Marathon once again proves that it’s more than a race – it’s an electrifying tapestry of human stories, determination, and the undying pursuit of personal and communal triumph.