Uzo Aduba, Oprah Winfrey and Other Black Stars Who’ve Run Marathons

As the 2024 Chicago marathon kicks off, we take a look at Kevin Hart, Alicia Keys, Al Roker and other Black celebs who’ve run marathons.

Uzo Aduba ran the 2015 Boston Marathon to support Bostons Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on April 20, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Getty Images Paul Marotta

For some people, the idea of running a marathon is a bucket list item they can’t wait to check off. For others, it’s a life changing accomplishment that they’re extremely proud of. A lot of celebrities use the experience to raise money for charity, or promote their latest venture. With the 2024 Chicago Marathon taking over the city, we’re looking back the Black celebs who’ve run marathons and dominated the 26 mile course.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
AI Is the New Civil Rights Frontier: Loren Douglass on Wealth, Politics & Power

Patina Miller – 2024 Chicago

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy

“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” star Patina Miller is no stranger to marathons. The 2024 Chicago race will be her third outing, following the 2022 and 2023 New York marathons.

Alicia Keys – 2015 New York

The 16-time Grammy winner supported the nonprofit organization Keep a Child Alive by taking on New York in 5:50:52

Kevin Hart – 2017 New York

The actor/comedian and avid runner has actually been in multiple marathons. He finished the 2017 New York City Marathon in 4:05:06, while it took him 4:13 to complete the 2018 Chicago Marathon.

Tayshia Adams – 2021 New York

The star from “The Bachelorette” completed her run through the streets of New York in a respectable time of 4:40:24.

Matt James – 2021 New York

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola

The first Black “Bachelor” took on the New York CIty marathon, knocking it out in 5:02:23.

Uzo Aduba – 2015 Boston

Photo: Getty Images Paul Marotta Photo: Getty Images Paul Marotta

The award-winning actress is a marathon veteran, completing the 2013 New York CIty race in 5:17:57, then shaving a little time off to finish the 2015 Boston event in 5:03:24.

Al Roker – 2010 New York

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai

As usual, the TV legend was an inspiration with his 7:09:44 time in the 2010 New York City Marathon.

Lauren Ridloff – 2022 New York

The “Eternals” star raised money for PS347, a public school for hearing-impaired students where she used to teach. She wrapped things up in 4:05:48.

Tiki Barber -2021 New York

Photo: Getty Images Slaven Vlasic Photo: Getty Images Slaven Vlasic

The former New York Giants star made another sports memory in the city, finishing the race in 4:47.

Oprah Winfrey – 1994 Marine Corps

Photo: Getty Images Andrew Harnik Photo: Getty Images Andrew Harnik

Oprah wanted to run a marathon before she turned 40, so she took on the 1994 Marine Corps event, finishing in 4:29:20.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

A closer look at the fashion and significance of the 57th annual ceremony featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Colman Domingo, and more …
The Most Positive Events That Happened During Black History Month

The Most Positive Events That Happened During Black History Month

Here’s a list of postive things that have happened since Black History Month was founded in 1926 …
Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

After a Latino man harassed a Black family for moving into the neighborhood, social media is pointing out that Black folks will always be the most targeted by White Supremacy …
2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

The 57th annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch and was truly home to some much-needed blackity-black surprises and highlights! Let’s get into it! …
Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Withv the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, the Actor Awards (f.k.a. the SAG Awards) happening back to back to close out February and welcome in March, respectively, and then the Oscars on March 15—let’s take a quick look back on some of this seasons Blackest moments …
The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom's Addiction

The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom’s Addiction

Two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom has a storied relationship with substance addiction. He digs into it all in a new documentary …
We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It's Rooted in Slavery?

We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It’s Rooted in Slavery?

Wealthy American started the tipping culture in the mid-1800s, beginning a restaurant culture that remains steeped in the roots of slavery …
New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another <i>Major</i> Milestone

Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another Major Milestone

Teyana Taylor keeps cementing her status in Hollywood and this year’s awards season. And this latest accomplishment from TIME Magazine is further proof of that! …
Black Folks Respond to the Clintons' Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

Black Folks Respond to the Clintons’ Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

After President Bill Clinton was named in the Epstein files, him and his wife were called before Congress …
Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Montoya Perry allegedly carjacked an Uber driver in Chicago, killing him as she fled. It’s what she allegedly did after some are calling sinister …
Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Exclusive: Experts At 5th Annual Day of Reckoning Conference in Birmingham Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Must Know …
Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

A foreign policy expert explains the consequences of institutions failing to check Trump as he celebrates one year in office …
A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska anesthesiologist went out of her way to help a patient with a congenital heart condition …
Why Gov. Gavin Newsom's Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Why Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Gavin Newsom’s recent remarks upset quite a few folks, including many liberals accusing the governor of spewing Republican talking points …
Lupita Nyong'o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here's Why We Should Listen

Lupita Nyong’o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here’s Why We Should Listen

Actress Lupita Nyong’o is sharing her personal experience to raise awareness around the issue of fibroids in women …
More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and  Health Risks

More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and Health Risks

Braid wearers assume human hair and “non-toxic” synthetic braiding hair are safe options, but a Consumer Reports study showed that they, too, come with risk …
Late Comedian's Famous Joke About How Racism Keeps Poor People Divided Resonates Now More Than Ever

Late Comedian’s Famous Joke About How Racism Keeps Poor People Divided Resonates Now More Than Ever

Comedian Ralphie May once made a joke that racism is hologram to keep poor folks fighting, and his words are truer than you might realize …
Black Actress Blames Harvard For Hair Nightmare

Black Actress Blames Harvard For Hair Nightmare

Nike Imoru suffered unimaginable hair loss as a result of her recent theater experience and now, she’s taking matters into her own hands! …