Every year, the Pittsburgh Marathon gives runners the chance to go the extra mile in their participation and Run for a Reason. One Run for a Reason participant, Andrew Parys, chose Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation as his charity to support. We spent time getting to know Andrew and why he chose to run for Magee. His story helps illustrate why Magee is important to so many.

Let’s support Andrew as he runs this race!

How did you get into running?

I am an amputee. I can't talk about my running journey before I share with you my personal journey — something that has forever colored my athletic pursuit. I was born with amniotic banding, so my right leg was amputated when I was around one year old, and I was fitted with a prosthetic.

Growing up, I had a passion for sports, specifically basketball and football. But, due to shoulder surgery, I had to limit my contact sports. Looking to fill the athletic void, I set out on my running journey. Since I do not have a traditional runner’s build, I sought after a prosthetic better for energy return. I was gifted a dedicated running prosthetic from a grant by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and ran my first Pittsburgh Marathon only 6 months later. I fell in love with running — pushing the limits of what I can do as an amputee.

Why did you choose to run for Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation?

While I am not a woman myself, growing up as an amputee, I know firsthand the value of healthcare, the workers, and the way advancing medical technology and research can positively impact your life.

I am running for Magee specifically to show love and respect to the women in my life. Unfortunately, many of the women in my life have had some major health problems over the last few years. As I watched each woman in my life navigate through their diagnosis, my eyes were opened to the magnitude of health issues women face, how much I didn’t understand, and how little research there is.

I want to bring light to what a worthy cause Magee is. Now that I have a daughter, I want her to grow up where a place like Magee exists. Magee is making the world a better place — a world where women’s healthcare continues to advance.

How is your training going?

Training for a race always presents its challenges. I am balancing a full-time job, my marriage, and now our baby.

I posted on social media that I am running the Pittsburgh Marathon as a charity runner for Magee, and the response has been amazing. I am blown away by how much people donated. This reminded me what a great cause I am running for and definitely lit a fire in me to do my best.

What are some of your favorite places to run?

Locally, I love to run on gravel trails on the Allegheny.

The most remarkable places I have run were in Dublin, Ireland and Acadia, Maine. (Although, Maine was more of a hike.)

What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?

My pre-race snack is simple — something like Clif Bars.

My post-race meal is something hearty, maybe pasta or salmon. But nothing is quite as refreshing as a post-race beer!