Russell Fenton picked up running marathons to satisfy his competitive itch to fill time while he was studying at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It also was a nice opportunity for the Fox Chapel graduate to make a trip home in early May to compete in the Pittsburgh Marathon.
With Fenton set to graduate and move back home for a job in June, the 22-year-old’s desire to continue running hasn’t waned. If anything, having built up his base has him eyeing other locales to test himself.
“More than one specific marathon, I’m excited to use this to see cities and places I wouldn’t otherwise see,” Fenton said. “I’m not sure there is one in particular right now, but I’ve looked at some that are in Honolulu and Sydney, Australia.”
Fenton finished 13th at this year’s Pittsburgh Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 54 seconds.
Will Loevner won this year’s event with a time of 2:14.50.
Fenton’s time was nearly nine minutes faster than his time from last year, when he placed 15th. Fenton also added another event to his schedule. Last November, Fenton competed in the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, placing 122nd overall with a time of 2:34.20.
Fenton, who has competed in the Pittsburgh Marathon three times, finished 44th when he first attempted the event in 2024.
“I’m very familiar with the course at this point,” Fenton said. “It’s great to be back home. There’s something special about getting to explore the city that way.”
Fenton, who didn’t compete in track and field or cross country in high school, said he enjoys navigating the terrain in Pittsburgh. In particular, a hill in Oakland is a challenge he looks forward to.
Fenton said he plans to continue to compete in different marathons. What Fenton has found is that he has never lacked the motivation to continue training.
Distance running has provided the challenge he is looking for.
Fenton enjoys the grind.
“I’m a competitive person,” Fenton said. “It’s easy for me when I pick up a new activity to go as hard as I can. I’m either all in or all out. It was never a thing where I’ll miss a run or I won’t run today. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to go full force for it.”