This 2:26 Marathoner Has Run Boston for 36 Consecutive Years. Now His Two Sons Are Joining the Legacy
For some people, fitness is less about cruel and unusual punishment and more about a fundamental way of life. While many families spend their Thanksgiving mornings preparing turkey and stuffing, others have prepped days prior so they can gear up for the famed turkey trot. It's a way to get their bodies moving and put those holiday carbs to good use. Some take it a step further, ensuring movement is woven into their everyday lives through family walks around the neighborhood or relay races in the backyard. The Davis family is a prime example, and this year, the guys in the family are taking their tradition to the world stage.
Nick Davis, a former Broadway performer who also appeared on iFIT’s Trainer Games on Amazon Prime, will be running alongside his 70-year-old father, Michael. This year, Michael is taking on his 41st Boston Marathon—his 36th consecutively. With Nick’s brother, Lucas, also on the course, the event has become a rare multi-generational Boston Marathon moment. The Davis patriarch, who finished with a 2:26 in both 1981 and 1982, says lining up with both of his sons is a "high consisting of pride, joy, family connection, and strong lasting memories."
Davis Family
Aside from his 41 trips from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, Michael has also completed 27 Ironman races and was the runner-up at the U.S. National Marathon Championships. The dedication, preparation, and systems he has put into place are tools his sons have used for their own success, not just in running but in life as well.
"Growing up with parents who both ran marathons, I thought that was a normal thing that everyone did," Lucas says. "Some of my favorite childhood memories are going to watch my Dad in the Boston marathon...I always felt like the race was a family event, where we all played a part in helping him get to the finish line, and that orange slice I handed my dad was the reason he was running so fast!"
Related: How to Start Running: An Expert's Guide for Beginners and Returning Runners
Seeing the sheer grit required to cross that finish line firsthand gave Nick and Lucas a deep respect for the methodical approach his father maintains. It's a level of discipline that borders on the scientific.
"You don’t do 41 Boston Marathons, 30 full Ironmans, and run a 2:26 marathon without having something close to a perfect system," says Nick, a former Broadway performer who was recently featured on Trainer Games, iFIT’s Amazon Prime fitness competition series. "My dad’s routine has truly stood the test of time—he’s almost 70 and still showing up like he’s 30. That kind of longevity isn’t accidental, it’s intentional."
Davis Family
If you are new to running or have fallen into the modern-day longevity trap, you might think he's continued training for all these years by keeping up with every piece of evolving technology. In reality, it's the opposite. He maintains that sticking to the basics is the most effective path and that finding a group to train with is the true secret to improvement.
"When it comes to training, a person needs several years of building [up] to consistent high mileage to build aerobic fitness," Michael says. "Then, train with a group that has people faster than you- it promotes accountability and pushes you to improve."
That's a lesson both Nick and his brother Lucas took to heart. Not only do they put preparation at the forefront of their training, but they also prioritize community, something Lucas admits he missed during his first marathon.
"Shortly after, I joined the BAA Running Club, where they have weekly track workouts and long runs," Lucas recalls. "I found a group of amazing friends who help push and support each other. I learned that running with a group can be more motivating, push you to your limits, and hold you accountable to show up and be consistent every week."
Related: Trainer-Approved Running Tips That Prevent Injury and Boost Endurance
Their father believes too many people overcomplicate training by focusing on heart rate and FTP zones before they have built an adequate aerobic base. In his view, simple, consistent preparation is key.
"Being a performer, it’s all about preparation," Nick says. "You learn the importance of intense preparation, constant repetitions, and the sacrifice it takes to work towards something huge. 'The way you show up in rehearsal is the way you show up on stage'. The same applies to endurance races."
Davis Family
The Davis family story is one for the ages. As they head toward the starting line in Hopkinton, the race represents more than just a physical challenge. It is the culmination of decades of shared miles, childhood orange slices, and a father’s "perfect system" passed down to his sons.