Zdeno Chara explains why he will run the Boston Marathon for the first time, and it proves he's a hero

Zdeno Chara is a true legend of the game, and it was a sad day when he announced his retirement last year.

The former Boston Bruins captain is the defenseman with the most games played in league history, and he recorded 680 points in 1,680 games.

Chara was also a great leader, and having him on the bench and in the locker room was a blessing for his teammates. 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.

And he’s continuing to be an amazing person despite ending his playing career. Zdeno Chara has now announced that he will be running the Boston Marathon in April, and it’s for a fantastic cause.

It’s Chara’s first marathon, and he’s doing it as a 46-year-old.

“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 said in his announcement post on social media.

Chara is also doing it in support of two charities, both with Boston ties.
The first charity that Chara is running in support of is the Thomas E. Smith Foundation.

According to their website, they aim 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 is running in support of is 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.”

Here’s Chara’s donation link to help raise funds for the Thomas E. Smith Foundation and The Hoyt Foundation.