Astronaut Suni Williams to Run 2026 Boston Marathon, Earn Patriots’ Award
NASA astronaut Suni Williams will participate in the 2026 Boston Marathon and has been named the recipient of the prestigious Patriots’ Award. This announcement was made by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). Williams hails from Needham, Massachusetts, and this marathon will mark her second participation.
Suni Williams’ Marathon Journey
Williams previously made headlines in 2007 when she ran the Boston Marathon from the International Space Station (ISS). This historic event made her the first person to complete a marathon in space, achieving a time of 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 46 seconds.
- Year of Space Marathon: 2007
- Time: 4:23:46
In addition to her marathon achievement, she also completed the Falmouth Road Race while in space in 2024. Williams expressed to WBZ-TV that six months after returning to Earth, she felt “great” and was gradually returning to running.
Patriots’ Award Recognition
The BAA awarded Williams the Patriots’ Award for her “spirit of perseverance, service, and curiosity.” The award recognizes New England-based individuals or organizations noted for their patriotic and philanthropic efforts, alongside promoting goodwill and sportsmanship. Previous honorees include notable figures such as:
- Robert Kraft
- Joan Benoit Samuelson
- Rick and Dick Hoyt
- David Ortiz
- Marty Walsh
- Rob Gronkowski
Williams’ Remarkable Space Experience
Williams’ space mission is noteworthy for its extended duration. Originally scheduled for over a week, her trip with Butch Wilmore to the ISS lasted nine months, culminating in their return to Earth in March 2025. This totalled 286 days in space, making her one of the NASA astronauts with the most extensive time spent in orbit.
Record-Setting Astronaut
Williams holds the record for the second-longest cumulative time spent in space among NASA astronauts. Additionally, she has the highest number of spacewalks conducted by a woman. After a distinguished 27-year career, she retired in January 2026.
As both a pioneering astronaut and an avid runner, Suni Williams continues to inspire many, exemplifying determination and excellence in both fields.
