- The New York City Marathon returned in 2022 to its full glory, as the year before had limited participants and the 2020 race was cancelled, both due to COVID
- Ashton Kutcher led the stars in the race, completing the 26.2 miles under 4 hours
- Ellie Kemper also ran to help raise money for charity
In addition to drawing the best runners in the world, the New York City Marathon also attracts some big names in pop culture. Celebrities from the sports, television, music, and movie world all strapped on their shoes and did their best to stay hydrated while running the 402.195 km/26.2 miles through all five boroughs. This year, movie star Ashton Kutcher led the starry bunch, and crushed it by running it under 4 hours!
Along with Ashton, arguably the next biggest names who ran in 2022 are Ellie Kemper and Lauren Ridloff. All three also participated for a good cause: Ashton ran to raise money for Thorn, the nonprofit he started with his ex, Demi Moore, in 2012; Ellie ran for The Brotherhood Sister Sol; and Lauren ran to raise funds for PS 347, the American Sign Language and English lower school in New York.
The 2022 edition of the New York City Marathon saw the race return to its full glory. The race was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, pandemic precautions limited the number of competitors to 33,000. This year, 50,000 racers were expected to start. See which celebrities were part of that massive group, below.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton trained with Peloton and instructor Becs Gentry to get ready for the race. He used Peloton’s Marathon Training Program to get ready because he had “never run a marathon before. I’m terrified.” He ran to raise funds and awareness of Thorn, his nonprofit that fights child sex traffic and child sex abuse.
Ellie Kemper
Ellie Kemper ran in 2022 for The Brotherhood Sister Sol, “a Black-led nonprofit educating young people, organizing for justice and equity, and training the field since 1995.” Ellie shared an update on her training on Oct. 24. “Some of us Marathoners are fueled by hope…..some by a dream….but me? My engine runs on COLD HARD CASH. Consider a donation to @brosis512 and help me fly (briskly walk?) across the boroughs on Nov 6th!!! Link in bio.”
Lauren Ridloff
“I can’t take a decent photo while running but this will do!” Lauren Ridloff of The Walking Dead wrote on Oct. 4. “This photo is important to me. This is my joy, my feel-good moment. I am running the NYC Marathon for charity. And I want to share that joy with you…make a donation (link in bio) to support this mighty little school @ps347asl in NYC and feel GOOD!! Love to all.”
Claire Holt
Claire Holt of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals took the challenge in 2022. She will run to support Boston’s Children’s Hospital.
Matt James
There were more than roses waiting for Matt James at the end of the New York City Marathon. The Bachelor star ran to support ABC Food Tours, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to connecting underserved communities with opportunities for advancement.
Nev Schulman
This isn’t part of Catfish: Nev Schulman returned to the NYC Marathon. After competing in 2021, the Catfish host returns to help raise money for NYRR Team For Kids.
Tiki Barber
Tiki Barber, a frequent marathon runner, returned to help raise money for NYRR Team For Kids.
Pia Wurtzbach
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach ran in the 2022 marathon. “I faced a lot of setbacks the past few months…” she wrote on Oct. 9. “I was worried I couldn’t do the marathon anymore cos I got sick twice and previously got Covid. I missed training days and some of those essential long runs so I was really worried. My performance suffered. I couldn’t get the mileage in, and I was slower than before.”
“When you miss those long runs or you fail at reaching goals during training, you get so disappointed in yourself to the point of wanting to give up,” she added. “But but but…with the right guidance, support and A LOT of determination, I’M BACK.”
TJ Holmes
TJ Holmes, the cohost of GMA3: What You Need To Know, ran in the 2022 marathon. “13.1 … and still smiling,” he posted in May. “Guess I’m a runner now. ;-) And @nyrr, I guess I’ll see you in November for the #nycmarathon! (Maybe) #rbcbrooklynhalf.”
Amy Robach
Amy Robach, another cohost of GMA3, competed in the marathon. This will be her third time running throughout the five boroughs. “Marathon number three with my best girl… can’t imagine crossing a finish line without you @nikespina… @nycmarathon here we come,” she captioned an Instagram post she published on Oct. 9.
Sierra Boggess
Broadway actress Sierra Boggess ran in the 2022 marathon to raise money for Cancer Support Community, a charity that provides personalized cancer support free of charge. She ran alongside her sister, Allegra Boggess.
Casey Neistat
Youtuber and filmmaker Casey Neistat pushed himself to the limit this year. The content creator ran in the 2022 marathon.
Monica Puig
Former tennis player Monica Puig left the racket behind when she ran on Nov. 6, 2022. “There are moments I wanted to stop, moments I wanted to cry, and moments where I thought I couldn’t do this,” she wrote on Oct. 14, “but my mind has gotten so much stronger than my body these last few months, and that made me SO DAMN PROUD! I’m beyond ready to call myself a marathon runner in a few weeks and I have never loved myself or my body more than I do in this moment because every obstacle has lead me to here! Get ready, New York.”
Meghan Duggan
Meghan Duggan is already a winner, having secured a gold medal as part of the United States Women’s Hockey Team during the 2018 Olympics. She was expected to run in the New York City Marathon to benefit the Women’s Sports Foundation, an organization working to expand access and opportunities for women and girls in sports.
Ryan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe is used to races – but behind the steering wheel. The professional race car driver will ditched his four tires for a pair of shoes when he ran in the 2022 marathon.