Marabeth Hampton of Siloam Springs finished the Pittsburgh Marathon’s half-marathon distance on May 3 in 2 hours and 16 minutes while wearing a full potato costume. The time was a personal record for the 34-year-old, who was one of 26 runners selected by Potatoes USA to represent the “Speedy Spud” campaign, promoting potatoes as a pre-run fuel.
Hampton, a pastry chef at The Hollow Log Bakery in Siloam Springs, cares for her disabled brother full time, leaving little margin for error in her training schedule. She prepared for the race with a regimen that included substantial potato-based meals—baked potatoes with butter and salt, mashed potatoes, and even potato pancakes—leading up to the event.
The potato suit, complete with a foam spud body and attached limbs, was cumbersome but didn’t slow her down. “It was hot, and I was sweating a lot,” Hampton said. “But it was also fun. People were cheering and taking pictures.”
Her participation in the campaign was more than a novelty. Potatoes USA worked with nutritionists to highlight the vegetable’s role in athletic performance, particularly its high carbohydrate content and potassium levels. Hampton said she’s been fueling her runs with potatoes for years and wanted to demonstrate their effectiveness on a national stage.
“I’ve always believed in the power of simple food,” she said. “Potatoes aren’t fancy, but they work.”
Hampton’s personal record placed her well within her goal time of under 2 hours and 20 minutes. She credited consistency in training and her pre-race meals as key factors. Her brother, she said, was watching the live tracker from home and celebrated her finish.
The Speedy Spud campaign is part of a broader initiative by Potatoes USA to promote whole food nutrition in endurance sports. Hampton was selected from a pool of applicants across the country based on personal stories, running goals, and commitment to the campaign’s message.
She plans to continue racing and hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2027. In the meantime, she’ll be back in Siloam Springs, baking pastries and preparing for her next run—likely with a potato or two on the menu.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
