Harry Styles impresses by running 42 km in 3 hours

Harry Styles, the global pop sensation and former One Direction star, has once again proven that he is more than just a musical powerhouse. Over the weekend, Styles participated in the Tokyo Marathon 2025, successfully completing the 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) course in an impressive 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds. The unexpected appearance of the Grammy-winning artist at one of the most prestigious marathons in the world has taken fans and fitness enthusiasts by surprise, showcasing his dedication to personal fitness and mental endurance.

A Surprise Entry: Harry Styles at the Tokyo Marathon

Unlike many celebrity marathon runners who publicly announce their participation, Harry Styles opted for a low-key approach. His entry was not officially publicized, leaving fans stunned when they spotted him among the runners in Tokyo’s iconic streets.

With over 37,000 runners competing in the event, Styles’ participation was a well-kept secret until eagle-eyed fans and photographers caught glimpses of the British singer making his way through the course. As images surfaced online, social media erupted in excitement, with hashtags like #HarryRunsTokyo and #MarathonStyles trending worldwide.

His dedication to finishing the grueling 42km race demonstrates his commitment to health, fitness, and personal growth, adding yet another achievement to his already remarkable career.

A Competitive Finish: How Well Did Harry Styles Perform?

Completing a marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes is an impressive feat, even for experienced runners. Harry Styles crossed the finish line with a time of 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds, a strong performance for a first-time Tokyo Marathon participant.

To put this into perspective:

• The average marathon finishing time is between 4 and 4.5 hours, meaning Styles finished significantly ahead of most runners.
• His pace was approximately 7:47 per mile (4:50 per km)—a pace that requires consistent training and endurance.
• He placed 6,010th out of 37,000 runners, meaning he finished in the top 16%—an impressive ranking for a non-professional athlete.

This achievement positions Styles as a serious runner, highlighting his discipline and perseverance beyond the stage and studio.

Harry Styles’ Marathon Gear: A Runner’s Dream Setup

For those wondering how Harry Styles prepared for such a challenging race, one major factor was his choice of running gear. He carefully selected high-performance apparel and footwear, ensuring he had the best equipment to support his long-distance run.

1. Running Shoes: Nike Alphafly 3

Styles ran the marathon in Nike Alphafly 3, a cutting-edge running shoe designed for speed and endurance. This elite footwear features:

• Carbon fiber plates for propulsion, maximizing energy return.
• ZoomX foam cushioning for comfort over long distances.
• Lightweight build to reduce fatigue.

Nike’s Alphafly series has been worn by some of the world’s fastest marathoners, making it a prime choice for a runner like Styles aiming for both speed and endurance.

2. Apparel: A Mix of Comfort & Performance

Styles was spotted wearing:

• A black Nike hoodie (which he later removed once warmed up).
• Tracksmith running shorts, a popular brand among serious runners.
• Sport sunglasses, likely for reducing glare and maintaining focus.

His simple yet effective outfit ensured he remained comfortable while maintaining peak performance throughout the race.

Training for a Marathon: How Did Harry Styles Prepare?

Running 42 kilometers (26.2 miles) is not something anyone can do without rigorous preparation. While Styles has never publicly discussed his marathon training regimen in detail, his impressive finishing time suggests months of dedicated preparation.

1. Endurance & Long-Distance Runs

To complete a marathon in just over 3 hours and 24 minutes, long-distance training is essential. Styles likely followed a structured marathon training plan that included:

• Weekly long runs (15-20 miles) to build endurance.
• Tempo runs to increase speed and efficiency.
• Interval training for improved stamina.

2. Strength & Cross-Training

Running isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other—it requires a strong core, powerful legs, and good mobility. Styles may have included:

• Strength training (squats, lunges, and core workouts).
• Cycling or swimming for cardiovascular endurance.
• Yoga or stretching for flexibility and injury prevention.

3. Nutrition & Recovery

Marathon training demands a strict diet and hydration strategy. Styles likely prioritized carbs, proteins, and electrolytes to fuel his training and aid recovery. Proper rest, sleep, and hydration would have also played a crucial role in his performance.

The Tokyo Marathon: A World-Class Race

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Known for its scenic route, enthusiastic crowd, and elite competition, it is a dream race for marathoners worldwide.

1. The Race Route

The marathon’s course winds through some of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Shinjuku: The bustling start line near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
• Asakusa: Featuring the historic Senso-ji Temple.
• Ginza: Tokyo’s luxury shopping district, filled with cheering spectators.
• Tokyo Station: The finish line, a symbol of endurance and achievement.

2. A Marathon for Everyone

Despite being a world-class race, the Tokyo Marathon welcomes runners of all levels. With over 37,000 participants from around the globe, it fosters a sense of community and perseverance.

Celebrity Marathon Runners: Harry Styles Joins an Exclusive Club

Harry Styles isn’t the first celebrity to take on the grueling challenge of a marathon. Over the years, several famous figures have participated in marathons, proving that endurance running is a passion for many outside the professional running world.

Famous Celebrity Marathon Times

• Kevin Hart (NYC Marathon 2017): 4:05:00
• Ryan Reynolds (NYC Marathon 2008): 3:50:22
• Gordon Ramsay (London Marathon 2004) – 3:30:37
• Haruki Murakami (Multiple Marathons): Under 3:30:00 consistently
• Harry Styles (Tokyo Marathon 2025): 3:24:07

Styles’ time of 3:24:07 puts him ahead of many celebrity runners, showing that he is not just participating for fun—he is truly competitive.

Why Harry Styles’ Marathon Feat Matters

Harry Styles running the Tokyo Marathon is not just a random event—it reflects his commitment to physical and mental well-being. In an era where mental health and self-care are crucial, seeing a high-profile celebrity prioritize fitness can inspire millions of fans worldwide.

1. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Styles’ participation highlights the importance of exercise, discipline, and endurance. Whether you’re a marathoner or a casual jogger, his story serves as motivation to push beyond personal limits.

2. Mental Resilience & Discipline

Running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Styles’ ability to stay focused for over 3 hours speaks to his resilience, discipline, and determination—qualities that extend beyond music and into all aspects of life.

3. Expanding His Influence Beyond Music

From fashion and activism to fitness, Harry Styles continues to redefine what it means to be a multifaceted public figure. His marathon success adds another unexpected yet inspiring chapter to his journey.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Harry Styles?

With his Tokyo Marathon debut in the books, many are wondering: Will Harry Styles run another marathon? Given his impressive performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him tackle the London, New York, or even the Boston Marathon next.

Whether he’s selling out arenas, launching fashion trends, or running 42km in record time, one thing is certain—Harry Styles continues to inspire and surprise the world.

Could a sub-3-hour marathon be next? Only time will tell.