Why Did Zdeno Chara Decide To Run The Boston Marathon?

Zdeno Chara is a true legend of the game, and it was a sad day when he announced his retirement last year. (From «Zdeno Chara explains why he will run the Boston Marathon for the first time, and it proves he's a hero.» - Andreas Lillhannus, The Hockey Beast (3/21/23)

The former Boston Bruins captain holds the record for most games played by a defenseman in national hockey league history, and he recorded 680 points in 1,680 games.

Chara was also a great leader, showing it on and off the ice. Which he still continues to do to this day. Chara was also greatly praised for his work in the community and what a great ambassador he was for the Bruins and the city of Boston. He still holds that legacy, as just a few months ago he ran in the famous Boston Marathon.

When Chara announced it on his social media pages he said, «I'm so happy to announce that I am running my very first marathon, and what better first marathon than the Boston Marathon on April 17th!»


Chara is also did the run in support of two charities, both with Boston ties. The first charity was the Thomas E. Smith Foundation.

An organization, that aims to «better the lives of those affected by and living with paralysis through financial and emotional support, as well as supporting preventive innovations that decrease the risk of spinal cord injuries.»

The other foundation that Chara ran for was The Hoyt Foundation.
Dick Hoyt was well-known in Boston as the man who ran the marathon, pushing his son in a wheelchair. Dick and his son, who was born with cerebral palsy, competed in the marathon nearly every year from 1980 to 2014. Dick Hoyt died in 2021, aged 80.

«Dick and Rick Hoyt made an incredible impact on millions of people worldwide and personally helped to motivate us to our 2011 Stanley Cup Championship,» Chara said. «The Hoyt Foundation has an amazing legacy with this iconic marathon.»