Tallest player to ever play in the NHL is running the 2023 Boston Marathon

The former Boston Bruins defenceman and captain, Zdeno Chara, who stands at six feet and nine inches, will run his first marathon in Boston.

After 26 years in the NHL, the 6’9″ defenceman, Zdeno Chara, is ready for his next challenge—the 2023 Boston Marathon. On Sunday, the tallest player in NHL history said on his Instagram that he plans to run his first marathon on April 17, in support of two Boston-based charities, the Thomas E. Smith Foundation and The Hoyt Foundation.

Chara holds the all-time NHL record for most games played by a defenseman, with 1,680. Chara played for four teams over his 20+ year career, starting with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals.

“I’m so happy to announce that I am running my first marathon,” Chara wrote on his Instagram. “There’s no better first marathon than the Boston Marathon on April 17th!

“The Hoyt Foundation has made an incredible impact on millions of people worldwide and personally helped to motivate (the Bruins) to our 2011 Stanley Cup win,” He said in the post. “The Hoyt Foundation has an amazing legacy with the iconic marathon.”

Dick and Rick Hoyt became a well-known Boston Marathon pair, Dick pushing his son in a wheelchair along the 26.2-mile course dozens of times. Dick Hoyt died in September 2021 at the age of 80.

The Thomas E. Smith Foundation’s mission is to better the lives of those affected by and living with paralysis through financial and emotional aid while supporting preventive innovations that decrease the risk of spinal cord injuries.

You do not often see athletes of Chara’s stature take on the marathon, especially on a course as difficult as Boston. We think he’ll certainly be easy to spot in his corral. 

posted Wednesday March 22nd
by Running Magazine