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
Beyoncé’ Youngest Goes Viral for Hilarious Stage Antics

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

The Genius Strategy Behind Zendaya’s 'The Drama' Press Tour Outfits

The Genius Strategy Behind Zendaya’s ‘The Drama’ Press Tour Outfits

Let’s take a deep dive into all of the phenomenal looks from “The Drama” promotional tour …
'Watson,' 'The Vince Staples Show' and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

‘Watson,’ ‘The Vince Staples Show’ and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

With fan-favorite shows off the air, like ‘Watson’ and the ‘Sherri’ show, let’s take a look back at a handful of Black shows that were gone too soon! …
Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Inside the Olympic Love Story of Newlyweds Noah Lyles, Junelle Bromfield

Congratulations are in order for Olympians Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield, who have just tied the knot! …
Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Stop Giving Women a Bad Rap for Leaving Toxic Relationships!

Khloé Kardashian opens up in Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom’ about the toll of staying in a toxic marriage, sparking a discussion on why women are shamed for leaving harmful relationships …
Lamar Odom's New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom’s New Comments About Khloé Kardashian That Have the Internet Dragging Him

Lamar Odom is back in the hot seat online and this time, it all revolves around his comments about his ex-wife Khloé Kardashian and his own father …
Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win

Professor: Black men face higher risk, earlier diagnoses, and deadlier outcomes. The truth is clear and the solution is simple …
Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

Why a Forth Worth Man Trying to Protect the Kids in His Neighborhood is Now Facing Prison Time

While a Fort Worth community is calling Marckus Renfro a hero, prosecutors are deeming him a criminal after he allegedly shot an accused pedophile …
Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her 'Worst Nightmare'

Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her ‘Worst Nightmare’

TODAY Show host Sheinelle Jones had quite an experience recently on a NYC train and it’s a story that’s almost too crazy to believe! …
Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of its first Black female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Even from halfway to the moon, Artemis II pilot Victor Glover wants to remind folks of the real magic happening back on Earth …
Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in 'Michael' Biopic

Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in ‘Michael’ Biopic

Jaafar Jackson is revealing how he reacted after learning he landed the role of his late uncle Michael Jackson, and the surprising things he did to prepare for it! …
Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Angel Reese has been traded from the Chicago Sky and lands with the Atlanta Dream …
Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Offset, Cardi B’s Ex is in stable condition after being shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Here’s everything to know about Shawn Harris, the Democratic candidate in Georgia aiming to fill Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s House seat …
DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

Rapper DaBaby is making news for how he responded to a fan who painted a picture of his daughters. Let’s get into it …
Terry Crews' Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Terry Crews’ Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Rebecca Crews, the longtime wife of actor Terry Crews, is opening up like never before about her health. And it’s something nobody saw coming …
Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

The room was filled with AKAs of all generations. So when Young began performing his hit songs like “I’m a Thug,” many were caught off guard …
Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Jonathan Majors’ falls out of window while filming action movie with Daily Wire, causing crew members to walk off set …
Why Black People Dress up On Easter

Why Black People Dress up On Easter

While Easter is dedicated to serving the Lord, it’s also been a time for Black people to serve looks while honoring the ancestors …