Hallmark Star Luke Macfarlane Shares Emotional Reason for Running London Marathon: ‘Send It for Murph' (Exclusive)
When it comes to versatility, Luke Macfarlane is at the top of the list. Best known to fans for his status as a Hallmark hunk -- he's shot about two dozen films for the network -- that's just a small slice of his work. Last year, he appeared in the horror filmThis is Not a Test, and more recently, played Tim Allen's son on the TV series Shifting Gears. Since 2023, he's played lawyer-turned-author Charlie on the Apple TV series Platonic, starring alongside Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen.
But on April 26, he's taking part in a passion project that requires even more stamina and endurance: he's running the TCS London Marathon. In an exclusive interview, Macfarlane spoke with Parade about running with his partner, Hig Roberts, and Hig's twin sister, Cassady, to raise money for diabetes research.
A Family Mission for Breakthrough T1D
The three are running for Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. The company, formerly known as JDRF, has been at the forefront of advancing research into type 1 diabetes and finding a cure.
Luke, Hig, and Cassady's goal is simple: to raise awareness and funds for the disease that claimed the life of Roberts' little brother, Murphy. Macfarlane has currently raised about $8,500 of his $10,000 goal.
'Send it for Murph'
Murphy was hiking in Utah when he had a Type 1 diabetes-related seizure, which caused him to fall. The 22-year-old died from complications from the disease, with his family by his side.
Macfarlane never met Murphy, but he's such an important and integral part of their lives that the Platonic star has naturally participated in honoring his life, as well. One of these ways is with the phrase, "Send it for Murph." When Macfarlane and the Roberts' family go skiing, which is a big part of their lives, they unfailingly stop and say the phrase "Send it for Murph" once they reach a certain point on the mountain.
As fate would have it, Macfarlane's family has a close connection to Sir Frederick Banting, the Nobel Prize-winning physician who discovered insulin. Macfarlane's grandfather attended college with Banting, and, according to Macfarlane, they were not only colleagues, but "they were really friends," he says.
From Space Soldiers to 'Bad Dentists'
If there's one of his characters in his three-decade-long career that would excel at a marathon, Macfarlane thinks it would be his Killjoys' character, D'avin Jaqobis. He doesn't think the space soldier would have any trouble running a marathon. However, while he thinks that all of his Hallmark characters could easily make it to the finish line, one character he just wrapped up probably wouldn't make it.
That character, a "bad dentist," is one of Macfarlane's most unlikable roles. He'll play the dentist -- based on a real person -- in an upcoming Lifetime film that he literally just finished filming before hopping on a plane to go to London.
Macfarlane recalls the character being such a jerk that those working on set would even comment on his nastiness. Those who are used to seeing Macfarlane portray down-to-earth, heart-of-gold characters will no doubt be surprised to see him play someone who could not only wish misfortune on others, but cause it.
From YA Dad to Real-Life Fatherhood
Before that, Macfarlane said he was in Ontario, finishing filming for the YA romance Into the Deep Blue. He plays Fiona's (Sara Waisglass) father, Bob, who is navigating his teenage daughter's first love. As the father of almost-3-year-old Tess, he saw playing Bob as a small glimpse into his future.
For now, he's enjoying the fact that Tess wants to go everywhere with him and Hig, even if that means he has to pull her in a wooden wagon he made for her that "doesn't go more than two miles an hour," he jokes. Macfarlane loves woodworking in his spare time and even made Tess a crib and chair.
Besides the Lifetime movie and Into the Deep Blue, filming for Season 3 of Platonic is scheduled to begin soon. And let's not forget his Hallmark career, with the Caught by Love star revealing that he's playing a cowboy in an upcoming 2026 Christmas film. He knows his schedule sounds crazy, but it's worth it.
"I work a lot for a while, and then I have a long time off," he explained. He misses Hig and Tess while he's working, but he's looking forward to the days when Tess can travel with him.
Led Zeppelin and a Post-Race Pint
But for now, he's focused on running the London Marathon. While he wore an Apple Watch during the trio's 2023 New York Marathon, the constant alerts became more annoying than helpful. This time around, he's just got the basics. "I've got my running shorts, shoes, and a fanny pack for my gels," he says.
When it comes to his playlist, the Bros star also plans to keep it simple. He notes that he'll "probably have 12 songs" that he cycles through continuously, ranging from classical to rock. "There will definitely be some Led Zeppelin," he says.
While many people can't fathom running a grueling 26,2 miles, Macfarlane has a different way of looking at it. "It's kind of like a really long date," he says, reflecting on the fact that they haven't spent much time together while he's been working.
After he, Hig, and Cassady cross the finish line, Macfarlane plans to find a pub, even though he rarely drinks. "I haven't had a beer in about two years," he admits. "But I think I'll have a beer when I'm done."
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 3:01 PM.