Finishing 50 States For The First Time (Half-Marathon)

Congratulations to Gina Forestieri (HF18136) – who finished her first round of 50 States earlier this month at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Biloxi.

From Gina, “50th state ✅ , Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, MS… 61st lifetime half… next… on to 100😀😀 This was a very nice race. The weather was cold and very overcast, but the rain stayed away, it was super flat like everybody said up until mile 11 then we went on an on-ramp which was slanted, and was windy and I thought I was gonna die! The 2:15 pacer was right behind me, and I thought oh hell no you’re not gonna beat me, I did end with 214, 🤣🤣 still, hoping someday I will get my speed back, but I was completely happy with this! A super nice surprise at the end, a local radio station made me feel like a superhero and interviewed me for being my 50th state, I always minimize myself because i have met so many amazing runners who all have done so much more and I am just on the start of my journey, but I thought what the heck, I will claim my minute of fame!, I got to meet up with some old friends, meet some new ones! It was just an amazing weekend! I know I am missing some people that I tagged, and I appreciate everyone of you who made me feel so special this weekend! Special thanks to my good friend Joey Jones, who was not even running, but drove to Biloxi for my 50th and followed me along the whole course to take pictures and greet me at the finish!!!, and bought me a HUGE sampler of fudge, my absolute favorite, from buc-cees! AND he found an amazing little restaurant so i could get my cajun- creole fix of food finally!!! Also had my first meet up dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with the 50 state club and met some amazing runners!