U.S. on the Run

Adam Wytko will try to reach his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states today in Pennsylvania at the Pittsburgh Marathon

By JOHN KOVACH

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

Adam Wytko likes to set challenging goals that may seem to exceed his grasp, but with persistence and perseverance over a period of time become reachable objectives.

About 10 years ago, the North Jackson native and Jackson-Milton High (1999) and University of Akron graduate created a goal to run a marathon in all 50 states.

Now today, after running marathons in 49 states, Wytko will try to complete his goal by adding Pennsylvania as the 50th state when he runs in the Pittsburgh Marathon.

“I guess I like coming up with a new idea which seems impossible, and I like the idea of having a long-term goal,” said Wytko, who will be joined by five family members and friends, including wife Terri and father Paul, in today’s run. “I came up with the idea after I ran about three marathons. I decided I wanted to do all 50 states.”

Wytko, who lives in Columbia, Md., believes the idea first was hatched during his first marathon in 1999 in Fort Wayne, Ind., one day prior to his graduation from Jackson-Milton.

“When I did my first marathon, there was some woman who said it was her 50th marathon. So I guess that planted the seed,” said Wytko, who not only likes to run but also to travel and see the country.

“One of the main advantages has been the opportunity to travel. My wife and I got married about five years ago and she has been traveling with me to these races. And when we visit the places we decide if it would be a place where we would want to live that is pretty different.”

He said trying to run a marathon in every state is not a new idea.

“I think people have done it before. I am a not the originator of the idea [and] there are clubs where people get together and try to do all the states, he pointed out.

Wytko, who is a mechanical engineer with the U.S. government, ran cross country, wrestled and played baseball and the clarinet while at Jackson-Milton, and then became a member of the University of Akron rifle team while also running marathons during his collegiate years.

His best marathon time came in the 2007 Boston Marathon when he covered the 26-mile, 285-yard course in 2 hours, 58 minutes, 29 seconds to finish in 806th place.

Wytko has been accompanied by his wife to every marathon he has run in since they were married — 45 of them — and Terri usually runs the half-marathon or just watches. “Pittsburgh will be her third full marathon,” said Adam, noting that Pittsburgh is Terri’s home.

The couple, who have lived in Columbia for about a year after making their home in Northern Virginia for abour four years, like where they live.

“If we were able to find similar jobs closer to home in Ohio or Pennsylvania, we would consider moving [back home],” Wytko said. “I do miss my family.”

Wytko also has another avocation as a screenwriter and filmmaker for his own company, Wytek Pictures, and has produced a short horror-comedy film called “Leftovers” for the 48-hour Film Project. The film may be viewed for free on the internet at www.youtube.com (search for Wytek Pictures, Baltimore).

Wytko is looking forward to reuniting with family and friends for today’s run.

“I convinced my brother to run his first marathon [in Pittsburgh]. My wife is running her third marathon. My wife’s brother, Matt Dzadovsky, also will run his first marathon. My dad, Paul , will run the half-marathon. This will be his second half-marathon. I also have a friend, J-M grad Joe Clark, who will run,” said Wytko, noting that that the clan may run as a pack for awhile.

“Depending on how we feel [today], we may stick together for a portion of the race.”

Then hopefully, if Wytko completes the “Big 50,” the family will return to North Jackson to celebrate the occasion.

“Adam’s parents [Judy and Paul] are having a big party at their home in North Jackson to celebrate the accomplishment,” said Wytko’s aunt, Nancy Davidson. “It took him years during which he had injuries and hardships, but he set a goal and worked tirelessly to make it come true.”

kovach@vindy.com