Imagine being so athletically gifted that you manage to run your first marathon in incredible time.

That's what Matt Wolfe did several weeks ago.

For many of us, the mere thought of running a marathon is quite overwhelming. In fact, many of us wouldn't even consider doing so. Not at 18, not at 30, not at any age.

The training, the physical and emotional investment that it takes to complete a marathon is immense, to say the least.

Matt Wolfe

On April 17, Wolfe, a Clay High School senior, competed in the 35th Annual Glass City Marathon, running the 26.2 miles in a time of 3 hours, 17 minutes and 19 seconds, good enough for 65th overall and first in the boys 16-19 age division. It was not exactly an ideal day for athletic competition, as runners braved strong winds and chili temperatures to take part in the event, which began at 7 a.m. 

The event, according to organizers, featured just over 4500 participants, including 793 of whom competed in the marathon itself. There was also a half-marathon, a 5K race and about a half-dozen relays.

According to the event's website, proceeds from the registration fees helped contribute to a number of area charities, including the Great Lakes Center for Autism and Kids Unlimited, as well as ROC On! (Run Over Cancer) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

To illustrate how successful he was in only his first marathon, Wolfe's time is just over seven minutes short of being good enough to qualify for the iconic Boston Marathon.

Running a marathon gives a person an incredible sense of accomplishment and provides an individual with a sense of fulfillment and a satisfaction that is quite unique and special.

While Wolfe certainly experienced these emotions, the 18-year old also see things from a much simpler perspective.

"I mainly run so I can eat a lot of junk food," said Wolfe, who stands at 6 feet, 2 inches and 165 pounds and also credits running with helping him to relax.

Works for me.

But there is an ulterior motive there as well.

He was motivated to run a marathon after his father and older brother had done so themselves.

"After my brother and my dad did their (marathon), I said, 'I'm going to beat (them).'"

During his time in high school, Wolfe ran cross country for four years and track for three years, deciding not to run this season to focus on training for the marathon.

The course, which began at the University of Toledo and featured some beautiful scenery along the way, took runners through Old Orchard, Ottawa Hills, the University/Parks Trail, Olander Park in Sylvania and Wildwood Metropark before finishing at the 50-yard yard in the Glass Bowl.

Wolfe was among those who was pleased with the event, as well as how the course was constructed.

"I was surprised how well the course was set up," he said, noting that, while the wind played a factor during certain parts of the race, it wasn't too much of a distraction.

When asked about his plans for running another marathon, Wolfe had this to say.

"Not at the moment. (But) I'll probably run one in the future at some time."

For a young person in good, sound physical condition like Wolfe, training for a marathon is not difficult so much as it is time-consuming.

"I just went and did all my runs at (a) pace; most of my runs, I ran at a 7:30 (per mile) pace. I just tried to hold it (there). It wasn't too hard training, it (just) took a lot of time. It takes so much time to do all those 20-mile training runs."

For his efforts, Wolfe received a finisher's medal, a medal for competing in his first marathon and messenger bag for finishing first in his age division.

Besides being a stellar athlete, Wolfe is successful in the classroom as well, sporting a 4.137 GPA, good for third in his class at Clay.

"I care about it (school) -- my parents make me care, (but) I don't obsess over it."

That's the funny thing about him -- he possesses what appears to be such a care-free, laid back attitude, yet has accomplished some impressive feats in his young life.

Wolfe, who is set to graduate from CHS on May 29, hopes to find a summer job before attending UT in the fall, where he plans on majoring in chemical engineering.

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