Zach Panning: From Fort Wayne to Orlando, the Marathon Journey continues 

We asked Deji Ogeyingbo to update his story on Zach Panning, the man who made the Orlando Trials really tough, so you could appreciate jus thow close athletes can come to their goals. We look forward to seeing Zach in his next race. 

For the record, Zach’s original story had over 75,000 reads from February 4-10, 2024.  

Zach Panning: From Fort Wayne to Orlando, the Marathon Journey continues 

In the marathon running, Zach Panning’s journey is an inspiring tale of determination, persistence, and unwavering passion for the sport. Although he predominantly focused more on the middle and long-distance track races in the early days of his career, Panning’s remarkable achievements in the marathon have now earned him the honor of representing the United States at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Here, we delve into the transformative path that has led this Fort Wayne marathoner to international recognition and the opportunity to compete against the world’s best in August.

The Road Less Traveled:

Panning’s foray into distance running began in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Early on, he exhibited raw talent and tenacity that set him apart from his peers. As he honed his craft at Fort Wayne Carroll High School and later at Grand Valley State University (GSVU), Panning’s passion for running became an integral part of his identity. Stepping into the collegiate running scene, he showcased exceptional performances and gradually etched his name into the annals of school and regional records.

Panning’s path to the top has not been without its share of obstacles. Injuries and setbacks punctuated his collegiate career, testing his resilience and determination. However, these challenges only served to fuel his dedication to the sport, motivating him to push through adversity and come out stronger on the other side. His perseverance and unwavering belief in his abilities laid the groundwork for the defining moment that would shape his future in running.

Some of the propelling factors that have helped Panning came when, at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Panning claimed two individual titles in the 5,000m (14:10.58) and 10,000m (30:12.30), becoming the fifth athlete in Division II history to win both events during the same meet. At the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Panning earned his first individual title in the men’s 5,000m at 14:00.69.

Panning’s story so far is best…