In Boston’s lively streets, a new star has risen in the running world. NHL icon Zdeno Chara, famed for his towering presence in hockey, has amazed fans with back-to-back wins in the Boston Marathon at 47. His achievement captivates sports lovers and inspires athletes of the track and field world.
This unexpected feat has ignited a frenzy of curiosity, as Chara’s transition from hockey to long-distance running showcases a rare blend of determination and athletic prowess. After a stellar debut last year, he’s gearing up to conquer the Boston Marathon once again this Monday, adding another triumph to his impressive journey.
Zdeno Chara redefines athleticism with historic Boston Marathon wins
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Over the course of a 24-year career that ended with the most games played among NHL defensemen, Zdeno Chara has taken to running marathons in retirement. On this he said, “The feeling of crossing the finish line and having fun on the course and being fit and in good shape just gives you the confidence and excitement to sign up for another one,” according to the recent report on Bostonglobe.com.
“Once you’ve done one, you just don’t want to stop.” He’s gearing up for the second time in Boston’s Marathon, he in fact doesn’t need a gear up for his emphasizing endurance, stamina, and mental toughness. His zest for striving for excellence even after his professional hockey career is all is on his side.
In a phone interview with The Post, Chara said, “No, I didn’t take any kind of break.” Chara ain’t just kick-finishing the race, he’s running fast like a cheetah. He recorded a time of 3 hours, 38 minutes in last year’s Boston Marathon which was his first marathon. Since then, he has slashed 28 minutes off his personal record, proving he’s on an unstoppable journey of improvement.
He asked help from Becca Pizzi, a professional marathoner from Belmont. Running a marathon in just three months ain’t that easy! And Pizzi had said that she wouldn’t have agreed to train him in just 3 months as she had no doubt known with his athleticism he could ace it. From his teammates to coach to famous runners and to fans he has all praises and appreciation “Pretty soon he’ll be running with Meb, for God’s sake”, said McGillivray. Fans around the globe erupted in admiration as Zdeno Chara showcased his incredible athleticism in the Boston Marathon.
Fans salute Zdeno Chara’s unforgettable feat of endurance and grit
Running back to back marathons, winning every marathon at the age of 47 is tremendous. Zdeno Chara had run 6 marathons, a half ironman, a 50 km trail race and a handful road races since hanging up his skates. The fans just can’t help stop praising Zdeno Chara as one of the sport enthusiasts and a staff writer said,
I love that after playing 24 seasons in the NHL, Zdeno Chara is now a marathon addict.
He runs 60 miles per week and ran 3:10 in Houston in January at age 46 (at 6'9", 200+ lbs!). Next week he'll do Boston on Monday and London on Sunday.https://t.co/vCHkrj0eHI
— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) April 11, 2024
Next fan is impressed with Chara and said,
Just shows elite athletes can be good at whatever the hell they want
— Will (@BiddleMeThis_) April 11, 2024
A Doctor of Chiropractic inspired despite his height and commented,
Impressive as hell at his size https://t.co/3csFNXlDsL
— Phil McCary (@drphilpdx) April 11, 2024
Another fan was too happy with back to back wins exclaimed,
the back to back to back races….he's so lovertoblame-coded https://t.co/rRu0L047EV
— shelly 🪻 (@lovertoblame) April 11, 2024
A happy finance student said,
Wow, Zdeno Chara is an absolute legend! 🙌 Running marathons at 46 after dominating the NHL for so long? #goals #beastmode 🏒🏃♂️
— Dakota Gray (@SpiceGrayDakota) April 12, 2024
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Last a portfolio manager commented on his size saying its impressive and said,
3:10 at his age and size is extremely impressive. You don't see a lot of professional athletes able to cross over so successfully. Respect. https://t.co/nj3SNSvsHw
— Brian Frank (@bfrankvalue) April 11, 2024
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Chara’s journey as a runner serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, anyone can pursue and achieve success in new pursuits, regardless of their background or physical attributes.