Jeannette native Cody Carroll completes incredible marathon feat over 1 week
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A Pittsburgh Penguins double-overtime victory led to a grueling test of endurance running for Jeannette grad Cody Carroll.
Carroll completed two marathons in one week’s time — the Eugene Marathon April 28 in Oregon and the Flying Pig Marathon May 5 in Cincinnati.
The challenge came about because of a wager he made with his wife, Sarah, during the Penguins’ 2016-17 Stanley Cup title run.
“I told my wife they were gonna blow it during the title run in Game 7 of conference finals, and I bet my wife that I would run a full marathon if they won,” said Carroll, who was relatively new to distance running.
The Penguins ended up winning that game in double overtime.
Carroll had never run a 5K, 10K or half marathon before his first full marathon, in 2017 after the motivating bet.
After running his fourth marathon, there was some adversity for Carroll going into these two after injuries he suffered two years prior.
“I had knee surgery two years ago and ankle surgery while I was out west and came off of a log and snapped my ankle,” said Carroll, who lives with his wife and 4-year-old son in Cincinnati where he has worked for General Electric since 2012.
His first stop this year was in Eugene, Ore., where Carroll completed the 26.2-mile race in just over four hours (4:02.22).
“I wanted to push it because the course in Eugene was a flatter course, so I pushed it really hard the last six or so miles,” he said.
A week later, he traveled home to Cincinnati where he completed the Flying Pig Marathon 17 minutes slower in 4:19.39.
“Within two miles I knew it was going to be a pretty long day, but my wife ran this marathon with me,” Carroll said.
Sarah Carroll was one of his biggest supporters and helped Cody throughout both races.
“I have no doubt about him because when he puts his mind to something he does it,” Sarah said.
“Eugene was really special because his son was there watching him and cheering him on.”
Cody’s accomplishment is certainly rare. Only 0.05% of Americans have run more than one marathon, let alone two in the same week, according to RunRepeat.com.
Cody has done what many think is not possible and has accomplished the goal of finishing twice in two places.
Cody may have a newfound passion for running, but he is one of many who has a strong distaste for the grueling sport.
“I really do hate running,” Cody said emphatically.
He has been surrounded by sports for most of his life, notably as a football player, baseball player and wrestler during his time at Jeannette High School.
“Football was my favorite sport, and wrestling was the one I was best at,” Carroll said of his high school days.
Carroll continues to push his boundaries and plans to continue running his hometown Flying Pig Marathon in future years.