When I talk to future marathon runners about their goal times, the conversation often turns to celebrity marathon times. They want to know what it will take to beat Oprah, P. Diddy, Lance, or other famous people who made news by running a marathon. Here are times for some celebrity marathon runners:
Lance Armstrong, 2006 (2:59:36) and 2007 (2:46:43) New York City Marathon
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After he finished the New York City Marathon in 2006, Lance Armstrong called the marathon "without a doubt the hardest physical thing I have ever done." But it didn't stop the seven-time Tour de France champion from attempting the race again the following year. He trained a little better in 2007, which resulted in a better time and less pain.
Natalie Morales, 2006 New York City Marathon (3:31:02)
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I really admire Natalie Morales, one of the co-anchors of The Today Show. She seems to have it all -- brains, beauty, talent and, man, can she run!
George W. Bush, 1993 Houston Marathon (3:44:52)
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After marathon runners manage to beat Oprah's time, they often set their sights on another famous marathoner's time -- former U.S. president George W. Bush. But it's not an easy feat –- Bush is no chump when it comes to running.
Ed Norton, 2009 New York City Marathon (3:48:01)
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Actor Ed Norton, well known for his roles in American History X, Primal Fear, and Fight Club, ran the New York City Marathon in support of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, which supports the preservation of biodiversity within the Maasai tribal lands of East Africa. He was posting updates and asking for donations on Twitter, even as he started the marathon. But he definitely put his phone down at some point, finishing in a very strong time.
Will Ferrell, 2003 Boston Marathon (3:56:12)
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I passed funny man Will Ferrell in the 2003 Boston Marathon and he wasn't cracking jokes -- this guy is a serious runner! (And his time shows it!) I'm sure everyone around him was grateful that he was running in clothes, unlike his character in that infamous scene from Old School.
Sarah Palin, 2005 Humpy's Marathon (3:59:36)
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Running a sub-4:00 marathon is high on some runners' goal lists, but can you imagine being able to say you ran a sub-4:00 and beat former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's time? Not too shabby for the former U.S. vice presidential candidate. I knew she was a runner, but I didn't realize that she could really go the distance.
Anthony Edwards, 2003 Chicago Marathon (3:55:40) and 2009 NYC Marathon (4:08:20)
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Actor Anthony Edwards may have been known as the sweet and kind-hearted as Dr. Green on ER, but he's definitely fierce on the marathon course. His generous spirit was still with him in New York, however, when he ran to raise money to help build a public children's hospital in Kenya.
Sean Combs (P. Diddy) 2003 New York City Marathon (4:14:54)
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I have to give it to music mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. He trained for only about two months, was running on a bum knee, and still managed to pull out a sub-4:15 marathon. He also raised $2 million for children's charities and New York City public schools in the process.
Alanis Morissette, 2009 New York City Marathon (4:28:45)
Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Grammy-award-winning singer Alanis Morissette couldn't keep up with Ed Norton in the New York City Marathon in 2009, but she joined efforts with him by raising money for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.
Oprah Winfrey, 1994 Marine Corps Marathon (4:29:15)
Photo by Albert Ortega/Getty Images
One of the most common questions I hear from marathoners in regards to their goal times is, "What do I have to run to beat Oprah's time?" or "I want to beat Oprah!" Going sub-4:30 is a popular goal time for marathoners anyway, but knowing that they beat Oprah's marathon time is usually icing on the cake for people who reach that goal.
