04/20/24
November 22, 2015
Meet Leroy Stolzfus, the Amish Marathoner: Leroy Stolzfus finished the Harrisburg Marathon in 3 hours, 5 minutes and 45 seconds, less than a minute away from the qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. What makes the 22-year-old's run unusual is that he's Amish and did it in slacks, a long-sleeve button down shirt and suspenders. "I'll get there," he said of Boston. "I just got to train a little harder, learn how to not go out too quickly and negative split more."
Judging by the sole of the shoe, I'm guessing basketball shoes. I can't imagine him running in work shoes/boots. Perhaps Nike, adidas or another sport-clothing company could outfit him with solid black running shoes to match his slacks.
posted by jjzucal at 03:04 PM on November 23, 2015
I'm guessing that when he says he trains at the F&M track he means Franklin and Marshall. A guy running around Lancaster in Amish garb all sweated up would honestly not raise many eyebrows.
My immediate question, which I'm still unclear about, was the footwear. Can't tell what he's wearing in the photo. Not sure what is permissible in that department. The right gear would be a real difference maker.
Wonder if Under Armor could fit him out with appropriate training wear, subbing out the fabrics to save weight and keeping the traditional appearance.
In terms of future possibilities...the first leg of a triathlon - now that might present a bit of a challenge.