Broadway Star Runs Marathon and Performs Twice

Quick Smiles:

• Jordan Litz is running the NYC Marathon before starring in two Broadway shows the same day.
• His dedication and marathon training inspire the Broadway and running communities alike.
• Fans are encouraged to cheer him on with a Broadway-inspired shout during the race.

Jordan Litz, who stars as Fiyero in “Wicked,” plans to run the New York City Marathon before taking the stage for both matinee and evening performances.

He aims to finish the 26.2-mile course and head straight to the Gershwin Theatre, demonstrating his endurance and passion for both sports and the arts.

Litz told The New York Times that if he maintains a seven-minute mile pace, he’ll have just over an hour to recover and meet his family before curtain call.

His remarkable plan was even mentioned on “Saturday Night Live,” where co-anchor Colin Jost joked about his daring schedule.

Speaking with NBC News, Litz shared, “I wanted to do it while I was still at ‘Wicked’ and still part of the Broadway community, and in the heart of New York City.”

He reflected on his year of preparation, sharing that running throughout New York’s five boroughs made him feel even more connected to the city and his work.

Joking about his motivation, Litz said, “I loved to beat up my body and push it to the limits,” feeling that a marathon was the next logical feat.

Balancing rigorous training with eight shows a week and family life has tested Litz, especially as he prepares to welcome a second child soon.

He shared how challenging days on stage have made him resilient.

“But I’ve done the show in every condition possible, with my knee hurting, my ankle hurting, my voice hurting,” he explained. “It has made the show not scary, in that, oh my gosh, I just ran 22 miles. All I have to do now is play Fiyero on Broadway. That seems so easy compared to what I just did. So from a mental standpoint, I feel like I can conquer the world because of all this training.”

Litz invited New Yorkers lining the marathon route to cheer him on in true Broadway fashion.

“When you see me go by on the course, I want you to give me your best Elphaba ‘No Good Deed’ ‘Fiyero,’” he requested, hoping for an energy boost to help finish strong.

Let’s celebrate this display of determination and community spirit—proof that passion and perseverance make anything possible!

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