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.

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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.

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