Please Note: You have clicked on a link to a website maintained by a third party and are about to leave the Potatoes USA website. The external link should not be considered an endorsement by Potatoes USA of the third party website or the company or organization that owns it, and Potatoes USA is not responsible for the accuracy or nature of the content of the linked website.
Click ‘OK’ to continue, or ‘Cancel’ to return to PotatoGoodness.com.
Request a private, all-expenses-paid Innovation Session to unlock the full culinary (and profit) potential of America’s Favorite Vegetable.
Marco A. is one of 26 Speedy Spuds who will run the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon dressed in a potato costume.
My running journey started in May of 2023. My wife and I welcome our 3rd child a month prior and I was going in for an annual checkup with my doctor. First time I had done this in years and it was overdue. I was trying to do right for my family. Long-story short, I was about 50+ lbs overweight and my cholesterol was high. I knew something needed to change. I downloaded a coach to 5k app and started there. Fast forward to today and I’m running 20-30 miles every week, doing regular strength training, tracking calories and down about 50 pounds. I’m originally from Macungie, PA a graduate of Kutztown University, but now reside in York, PA with my wife and 3 kids (11, 5 and 3).
Half Marathon
Potatoes have been my go-to fuel because they’re simple, effective, and easy on my stomach. When I’m training for longer runs, I want real, reliable carbs that actually sustain me—and potatoes deliver that without the heaviness or added ingredients you sometimes get from processed options.
Favorite potato dish is my mother-in-law’s potato casserole. She makes it every year for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
I heard about the contest on Strava. As my pictures will show, I’m no stranger to running in costume. I haven’t done a full marathon, so thought this was fun way to check that off my bucket list.
Preparing for the race is just adding to my current routine. Running 4 days a week doesn’t change but adding those weekend miles. Always make sure to respect the weekend long run in the build-up to a big race.
Join Team potato to train, compete, connect, and fuel up with fellow potato-powered movers. You'll also get exclusive access to apply to be a speedy spud in the future and score spud swag.
Join Team Potato