A Danville man recently completed the challenge of running a marathon in all 50 states. 79-year-old John Wilt completed the achievement when he finished the Kansas City Marathon.

Wilt began running marathons while living in Alaska, but said the idea to run a marathon in all 50 states didn’t come until he moved to Danville in 2001.

Between 2021 and 2023 Wilt ran 17 marathons. In total Wilt has run 111 marathons and 8 ultra marathons.

When he asked if he plans to continue to run marathons Wilt gave a clear answer.

Wilt says he will still run and plans to run in 5k’s, 10k’s, and half marathons. Wilt was told by the 50 States Marathon Club that he is one of about 2,500 people to complete a marathon in all 50 states.