1
Anthony Ramos
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New York is a hometown race for the Broadway actor, who starred in the original cast of Hamilton. The singer and songwriter from Brooklyn is being coached by 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, who also plans to run alongside Ramos in his debut. In a June interview with Men’s Health, Ramos said he was inspired to take on 26.2 as a new challenge beyond acting.
2
Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper
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The Death Cab for Cutie and Postal Service band mates plan to run the race together in support of Protect Our Winters, an environmental nonprofit organization. Gibbard (pictured, left) is a seasoned ultrarunner and recently competed at the Western States Endurance Run, where he overcame scorching temperatures to complete the prestigious 100-mile race from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California.
In a YouTube video on the Death Cab for Cutie channel, Gibbard said those who donate $10 per mile of the marathon will have the option to choose one song for him to listen to while he runs from Staten Island to Central Park. After the race, he plans to publish the full playlist.
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3
Claire Holt
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The actor—who was Emma in the show H2O—is a stalwart on the marathoning scene. She’s run multiple World Marathon Majors and is a regular at NYC. Last year, she ran 3:42:43 in the Big Apple, just weeks after finishing Chicago in 3:44:14.
4
Oliver Phelps
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The British actor, who played George Weasley in the Harry Potter films and now hosts Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, will run his marathon debut while fundraising for the Matt Hampson Foundation, which supports youth athletes facing serious injuries from sports.
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5
N.O.R.E. (Noreaga)
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The Drink Champs podcast host is making his marathon debut close to home. The hip hop artist from Queens plans to compete with his Run Champs run crew on Sunday. In a recent podcast interview with Set the Pace, N.O.R.E said he runs to “be a better version” of himself.
6
Jordan Litz
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The Broadway actor is fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, counseling, and meals, among other forms of support to people facing illnesses. Litz currently stars as Fiyero in Wicked.
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7
Merle Dandridge
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Like Litz, Dandridge is also raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. She recently completed a run as Persephone in Hadestown and is also known for her role in the TV series The Last of Us.
8
Phil Keoghan
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The host of The Amazing Race plans to run his first marathon in support of Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that introduces running and other fitness outlets to people experiencing homelessness or addiction. As he shared on his Instagram account, Keoghan was inspired to participate with encouragement from former show contestant Terence Gerchberg, who is now the CEO of Back on My Feet.
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9
A bunch of former Bachelor/Bachelorette stars
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Tyler Cameron (pictured), Joey Graziadei, Matt James, Zac Clark, Joe Amabile, and Tanner Courtad will all line up in Staten Island on Sunday.
10
And some Love Island USA alumni
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Three cast mates from season seven of the show will run in New York: Bryan Arenales, Nic Vansteenberghe, and Elan Bibas. Arenales (pictured, right) is running back-to-back marathons after clocking 4:18:40 at the Chicago Marathon on October 12.
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11
Carl Radke
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Bravo’s Summer House star is making his marathon debut on behalf of the Release Recovery Foundation, which helps people gain access to treatment for substance use and mental health. In a video on his Instagram account, Radke said he’s running to support his recovery while also supporting others in their sobriety journey.
Taylor Dutch is a writer and editor living in Austin, Texas, and a former NCAA track athlete who specializes in fitness, wellness, and endurance sports coverage. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Outside, and Podium Runner.
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