Members Completing Their Fifty States Journeys

Congratulations to members:

• Merry Mullins(MM15936),
• Clyde Shank (MM1383),
• Clint Burleson (MM1318, DA2374, HF14456),
• Bryon Solberg(MM12350),
• Karen Johnson Derrick (MM12489, DA3640, HF18426)

who recently completed their 50 States Journeys as of June 19, 2024. Their stories are highlighted below.

They have 21 total completions between the 5 of them.

Merry Mullins(MM15936) – Estes Park, CO so hard to put my feelings into words. Phase 1 of my journey ✅. 50 marathons in 50 states from October 16, 2021-June 16, 2024. This marathon was rough. We started at 9500 ft elevation. They told us we would be running with the wildlife and the wildlife will have the right of way. WHAT!! I had no clue what that meant. Well about mile 12 I unfortunately found out. As me and a few other runners rounded a corner there was a momma and a baby elk directly on our path. We did exactly what they had told
Is to do. We stopped and were waiting for them to cross or just go away. Well, then here came a few runners in the opposite direction. They spooked the momma Elk. She decided to charge me. All I could think is this was going to be how my marathon journey would end. Me not finishing my 50th state because a momma elk killed me. I got away but barely…. For those of you who follow me, know I always have a story. My goodness!! The rest of the marathon was fairly uneventful until mile 17 when I was surprised by my youngest grandson Owen. He was so excited to run with his grandma in Colorado. Then at the end the race directors let him give me my medal. Memory I won’t ever forget. Thank you Estes Park Marathon. Although my time wasn’t the best, I still took 3rd place in my age group. So what a great way to complete 50th marathon in my 50th state.

Clyde Shank (MM1383)

Clint Burleson (MM1318, DA2374, HF14456)

Mainly Marathons New England Series day 6 of 6 finishing 11 Marathons in 11 days in 11 states for me, as well as finishing a marathon in all 50 states for an 8th time and lifetime marathon #650. Course almost all asphalt paved with 80% shaded with some hills. Temps started mid 60’s and finished mid 70’s with high humidity but with a nice breeze. What a wonderful series!!! Congratulations to Clint Burleson for finishing the 50 states for the 8th time as well.

Bryon Solberg(MM12350) – States 47, 48, 49, and 50. I completed marathons in MD, NJ, RI, and NH with MainlyMarathons. I am an incomplete quadriplegic from an upper neck injury, and I use a cane and leg braces.

Karen Johnson Derrick (MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – Got my trifecta belt buckle. Finished 3rd round of states for Idaho and Wyoming! Completed a half in Laketown Utah! #181 total marathons..

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