‘Wicked’ Actor to Conquer NYC Marathon and Perform Two Broadway Shows

Jordan Litz, a current cast member of Broadway’s “Wicked,” will tackle an ambitious schedule on Sunday. He plans to run the New York City Marathon and perform in two shows later that day. Litz joined the cast as Fiyero in May 2023 and is gearing up for a demanding performance schedule.

Jordan Litz’s Marathon and Broadway Endeavor

On race day, Litz will join thousands of participants to cover the iconic 26.2 miles of the NYC Marathon, spanning all five boroughs. His goal is to finish by approximately 12:30 p.m., giving him a little over an hour to recover before hitting the stage.

Performance Schedule on Marathon Day

• 12:30 p.m. – Expected marathon finish
• 2:00 p.m. – Matinee performance of “Wicked” at the Gershwin Theatre
• 7:00 p.m. – Evening performance of “Wicked”

Litz has calculated that if he maintains a pace of seven minutes per mile, he can seamlessly transition from the marathon to the theater. This remarkable commitment recently caught attention during a segment of “Saturday Night Live,” where co-anchor Colin Jost humorously remarked on Litz’s grueling schedule.

Why Run the Marathon?

Litz expressed his desire to participate in the marathon as a way to deeply connect with the Broadway community and New York City. He noted, “I show up at the Gershwin, I do my job, and I take off.” His marathon training allowed him to explore every corner of the city, enriching his experience as a performer.

Training Regimen

While balancing performances, Litz’s training for the marathon included five running days and two weightlifting days each week. However, he learned to adjust his training as performing eight shows a week already contributed the equivalent of six to seven miles of running.

• Training started with:
  • Five run days
  • Two lift days
• Performing adds: approximately six to seven miles a week

Litz has humorously remarked about the physical toll of his training, recalling that his “legs are jelly” on most days. Despite the challenge, he stated, “I’ve done the show in every condition possible,” emphasizing his mental fortitude.

Community Support and Motivation

As thousands of runners traverse the streets, supporters will line the route to cheer them on. Litz made a lighthearted request on Instagram for fans to shout out a reference to his character, “Fiyero,” from “Wicked.” He hopes this will provide him an energy boost during the race.

Through his unique combination of athleticism and performance, Jordan Litz exemplifies dedication to both his craft and physical limits, making this marathon Sunday one to remember.