Bruins legend Zdeno Chara sets new personal record at London Marathon

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Apr 21, 2024 19:28 GMT

Zdeno Chara is not calling it quits, even after retiring from the NHL. Being able to maintain balance on ice with a height of 6'9" is not easy and the same goes for running a 26.2-mile run (42.2km). But Chara has once again displayed his extraordinary endurance; this time he conquered the grueling London Marathon and has set a new personal record.

Steve Hewitt took to Twitter and posted about Chara's timing in the London Marathon.

"Zdeno Chara, six days after running the Boston Marathon, just finished the London Marathon in a time of 3:11:04. That’s his new personal record. What a legend."

Just six days after completing the iconic Boston Marathon, Chara crossed the finish line in London with an impressive time of 3:11:04.

Zdeno Chara's marathon endeavors began with the Boston Marathon, where he finished in 3:30:52 despite challenging warm conditions that posed risks of hyperthermia for many participants.

Chara's ability to adapt from one major marathon to another in such a short period of time demonstrates his mental strength. Running eight marathons in a year is no joke. Only a brave heart like Chara could have imagined such a crazy milestone.

"His dedication to things is impeccable.": Former teammate lauds Zdeno Chara's achievement

Boston Herald spoke with Brandon Carlo, a defenseman playing for the Boston Bruins and a former teammate of Chara. When he got to know about Chara's time, he was left amazed.

“I think that speaks to what we saw here for many years,” said Carlo via “He’s very dedicated to his craft in every way. His dedication to things is impeccable. But that’s very impressive to see obviously." (via Boston Herald)

"I’m not sure I’ll be doing that same sort of thing, but you can tell that that’s what made him such a great athlete. He always wants to push himself and kind of grind though those suffering moments. It’s great to see that mental side of him and there’s a lot to be learned there," Carlo added.

Zdeno Chara, due to his towering height, initially considered basketball before embarking on his NHL career.

Chara married Tatiana Biskupicova in 2007 and has three children. He is an athletic ambassador for Right to Play and supports charitable causes globally. In 2008, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

Chara also participated in the 2023 Boston Marathon, finishing in 3:38:23 to support the Hoyt Foundation and the Thomas E. Smith Foundation.