It’s that magical time of the year again when the alleys and avenues of Beantown are taken over by the rhythmic pounding of sneakers — yes, the Boston Marathon is back! And the 129th edition, set to unfold on April 21, is shaping up to be a memorable one. For starters, Mother Nature seems to be in a generous mood, with the forecast calling for cool, runner-friendly temps in the low to mid-50s. But that’s just the warm-up. This year, all four defending champions are lacing up again to defend their titles — a rare and thrilling sight. Get ready to see Sisay Lemma (men’s open), Hellen Obiri (women’s open), Marcel Hug (men’s wheelchair), and Eden Rainbow-Cooper (women’s wheelchair) go head-to-head with challengers on the streets of Boston. That’s as good as it gets. Well, almost….
Because this year, amidst the elite runners and passionate amateurs, there’s a new face on the course — and it might surprise you. That’s right: PGA Tour golfer Scott Stallings is trading in his clubs for a pair of running shoes to take on Boston’s 26.2 miles, and that too while returning from multiple injuries. And no, he didn’t qualify with a blazing marathon time (he’d need 2:55 or better in his age group), but he’s here for something bigger than a finishing time.
In an Instagram video posted on April 4, Stallings explained, “Hey guys, Scott Stallings here, PGA Tour player, and I’m running the Boston Marathon. Very appreciative for the opportunity to run with the guys from Golf Fights Cancer based in Boston….” Well, fresh off celebrating his 40th birthday in March, Stallings wanted to mark the milestone differently — and meaningfully. He’s teamed up with Golf Fights Cancer, a nonprofit that’s been around for over 20 years, using the giving power of the golf community to provide real support for cancer patients, their families, and healthcare providers. The mission has touched tens of thousands of lives — and now, it’s pushing one man to conquer Heartbreak Hill.
“I’m not a runner inherently, but something that’s a challenge in adverse circumstances, dealing with a shoulder injury, and something I’d utilize the best city in the world with a game that I love, and something that I’ve always wanted to do.” Thanks to the organization, Stallings received a charity bib, giving him the opportunity to run despite not meeting the time standard. But that’s only half the story. He’s also set a bold goal: raise $50,000 for the cause. As of now, he’s already raised $20,490 — and with 71 days to go (at the time of his update), he’s feeling hopeful.
And Stallings isn’t just winging it. He’s been grinding in the gym for months, sweating it out to prepare his body for the upcoming challenge. “It’s kind of like a perfect match, and just to bring awareness and opportunity for people to come together and utilize the outreach program, just like Golf Fights Cancer. It’s a perfect match for all the stuff we’re trying to do up there,” he further added. Still, questions remain: Can he go the distance? Can he hit that fundraising target?
In typical Stallings fashion, he’s not overthinking it — he’s just focused on the bigger picture. Because for him, this isn’t just a race. It’s a tribute. There are personal, even heartbreaking stories fueling his run — ones that haven’t been fully shared but is close to his heart.
The setbacks months before the Boston Marathon
For most people, training for the Boston Marathon is a feat in itself. For Scott Stallings, it’s part of a much larger journey — one marked by pain, perseverance, and a relentless desire to give back.
You see, before deciding to lace up for the 129th Boston Marathon, Stallings wasn’t just away from the fairways — he was fighting his way back from multiple injuries and surgeries that nearly derailed his career. Actually, it all started in late March 2024, when Stallings was forced to withdraw from the Texas Children’s Houston Open due to a left shoulder injury. At first, it seemed like a standard setback. But as the weeks rolled on, the extent of the damage became clearer: injuries to his shoulder, bicep, and labrum — a trifecta that no golfer wants to hear.
By the end of the year, Stallings had undergone multiple surgeries, leaving his 2024 season in the dust. He shared a photo from his hospital bed with the simple but powerful caption: “Road to better starts now.” That road hasn’t been easy, though.
In December, the Golf Injury Report posted on X, noting that Stallings “hopes to begin chipping in January and be able to practice fully by April.” The timeline was optimistic, especially since he had just finished his last surgery. Still, when asked how he was doing, he gave a hopeful update: “All the surgeries are over.” At that point, most athletes would’ve taken a break. Not Stallings. Instead of waiting for his full return to the PGA Tour, which he’s now targeting for fall 2025, he moved towards something unexpected: running the Boston Marathon.
But remember, a man with three PGA Tour wins to his name, Stallings has never run a marathon. But what he does have is heart — and a cause. Because for Stallings, this race isn’t just about proving he can run 26.2 miles. It’s about showing that resilience matters, even when the cameras are off and the leaderboard is out of reach. In fact, he’s traded golf balls for pavement and bunkers for blisters — and in doing so, he’s reminding everyone that comebacks don’t always start with trophies. Sometimes, they start with scars.
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