Meet Nathan Kizer: The Marathon Fanatic Who’s About to Cross the Finish Line for the 100th Time!
Meet Nathan Kizer, the marathon maniac who has completed over 99 marathons and counting! Nathan’s love for running started in 2003 when he made a life-changing decision. At the age of 19, after marrying his best friend and high school sweetheart, Nathan and his wife bought their first house near a riverwalk in South Bend, IN. Little did he know that this riverwalk would become a significant part of his running story.
With two children and a few extra pounds gained, Nathan found himself inspired by the runners participating in the Sunburst Marathon, which passed through the riverwalk each June. On December 11, 2003, he made up his mind: he was going to run a full marathon at the next Sunburst Marathon, despite never having run a mile before (except for the occasional dreaded P.E. class timed mile back in the day). Little did he know that this decision would mark the beginning of a lifelong obsession with running.
Nathan’s first attempt at running was a struggle. He went out and managed to complete a 15-minute mile, unaware of the incredible journey that awaited him. From that moment on, he was hooked. The feeling of accomplishment and the runner’s high he experienced after completing his first marathon fueled his desire to explore more courses and push his limits.
Driven by his newfound passion, Nathan set a goal for himself: to complete a marathon in each of the 50 states. With determination and perseverance, he embarked on this ambitious mission, ticking off one state after another. Currently, he has only two states remaining on his list: Hawaii and Alaska.
On average, Nathan runs 5-6 marathons each year. In 2005, during the peak of his quest to conquer all 50 states, he even managed to complete 10 marathons in a single year. Talk about determination and endurance! Sometimes, he would even run two marathons in the same weekend, pushing himself to new limits.
While Nathan has experienced many memorable marathons throughout his running career, there are a couple that hold a special place in his heart. One of them is the Boston Marathon, an iconic race that he considers one of the best days of his life. However, his absolute favorite marathon is the Sunburst Marathon in South Bend, IN. This race holds sentimental value for him as it used to pass by the first house he owned and finished at the 50-yard line in Notre Dame Stadium. Every time he ran past that little house, memories would come rushing back, making it an unforgettable experience.
Of course, not every marathon has been smooth sailing for Nathan. One particular race stands out as the hardest he has ever faced. It was during the Amica Newport Marathon in Newport, RI, back in 2009. Race day brought a nor’easter into the area, unleashing torrential rain and challenging weather conditions. Running in such adverse conditions tested Nathan’s mental and physical strength like never before. But despite the difficulties, he pushed through and crossed that finish line, proving his resilience as a runner.
Running has become more than just a physical activity for Nathan. It is a way for him to connect with himself and with something greater. During his runs, he finds solace and feels closer to God. It’s a time when he can reflect, clear his mind, and find inner peace. Running allows him to be his best physical self and provides a sense of fulfillment that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Nathan’s running accomplishments extend beyond completing marathons. In 2018, he took on an incredible challenge: running a 5K every single day for the entire year. Rain or shine, hot or cold, he laced up his shoes and hit the pavement, proving his dedication and commitment to his passion. Additionally, Nathan has meticulously tracked every mile he has run since that very first mile back in 2003. It’s a testament to his love for running and serves as a reminder of how far he has come on this remarkable journey.
When Nathan isn’t conquering marathons or pounding the pavement, he works as a walking letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in his hometown of Plymouth, IN. Delivering mail keeps him active as he walks at least 10 miles every workday. It’s another way for him to stay connected with his community while maintaining his fitness levels.
Despite all the serious aspects of running marathons, Nathan also knows how to inject some fun into his races. He has had some amusing experiences along the way. For instance, at the St. Louis Marathon, he was booed by fellow runners for proudly wearing a Cubs hat and jersey. But that didn’t dampen his spirits; instead, it added some excitement to the race! Another memorable moment was running a marathon on the morning of his best friend’s wedding in Baltimore, MD. Talk about multitasking!
Nathan is not one to refuse anything at aid stations during races and has tried some unusual things along the way. However, when it comes to racing fuel, his go-to choice will always be Albanese gummy bears. They provide him with a burst of energy and satisfy his sweet tooth during those long-distance runs.
As Nathan continues on his marathon journey, he remains hopeful that one day he will qualify for the Boston Marathon again. While it hasn’t happened since that memorable race in 2005, he believes in himself and knows that with dedication and perseverance, he will reach that goal once more.
So whether he’s running through picturesque landscapes or braving challenging weather conditions, Nathan Kizer continues to inspire others with his passion for running. His advice to aspiring marathon runners is simple: enjoy the view along the way, run as far as you feel good, and never underestimate yourself. With these words of wisdom in mind, who knows what incredible milestones Nathan will achieve in the future as he continues to chase his running dreams! Running accomplishments are definitely a family effort – Nathan would like to thank his wife Tawn and four wonderful children for supporting him through long training runs, race weekends, travel, and everything in between.
See you at the starting line, Nathan! Join us! Sign up for the 2023 Madison Marathon.