Medal Monday brings many stories of achievement for our members. Here are recent stories from the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, as told by you, as posted on the Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook pages.
Alexis Davidson (MM926)- Walked the Enschede Marathon on Sunday. It was my 500th just a marathon. It’s the second oldest marathon in Europe, established in 1947. Run semi-annually until 1991, so this was the 55th edition. 54-63F windchills and average 15 mph winds. A one loop course with an out/back from 2-6K. Mix of country roads, bike paths and city streets. Strava says 357 ft elevation gain.
I went out too fast and paid for it later. 6 hour time limit, so no pressure. Sub 5:43 and beat only 4. DFL was 6:04 gun and 5:43 net. At one point, I was with 2 runners and 6 bike valet/emotional support bikes. Running races really need to police this better!!
Sport fans should have noticed I’ve been using the Pretenders for my 500 memes. Any ideas for 600? My 600th marathon or greater hopefully will occur in December.
Featured Club Member: Brenda Folkerts
Brenda Folkerts(HF18068, DA3674, MM15695) I love being a part of this fun-loving, inspiring group of Fanatics and Maniacs!
About Me
Hi! I’m a 57-year-old former RN from Victoria, B.C., mom of four grown kids, two step-daughters, and MeeMaw to two beautiful little granddaughters. I moved to the U.S. in 2014 and started my own business, StayWild Studio, where I work as a Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Coach, and Certified Running Coach.
When I’m not running, you’ll find me out on the trail backpacking, in the yoga studio, or playing in the dirt in my garden.
Running Background
Growing up, I was actually more into watersports than running—windsurfing almost every day, working as a lifeguard, and swimming competitively. I was a “secret” runner, running solo on Vancouver Island beaches after being told it wasn’t something I could do.
When I tried out for my high school track team, I was stopped before I could even begin. A coach told me that at 5’4½”, I didn’t have the body of a runner—my torso was too short and my legs weren’t long and lean. I gave those words too much power for too many years.
It wasn’t until my 40s that I signed up for my first 5K. I had no idea what I was doing, went out way too fast, and thought it was going to kill me. I swore it was a “one and done” experience—but you know how that story goes! I signed up for another one two weeks later… and then two became ten. That turned into one 10K a month for a year, which led to half marathons and marathons.
After a few marathons, I started crossing the finish line with gas still in the tank. I wanted to go longer. I was hooked after my first ultramarathon.
My Challenge
Not everyone knows this, but I’ve lived with a disability since my mid-30s, when I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Sjogren’s. I made a promise to myself that these diseases would not win.
I don’t let them define me or limit what I do. If anything, they make me more determined to push through the pain and defy the limitations that doctors once placed on me. I choose to focus on what I can do—not what I can’t.
My power word is “UNSTOPPABLE.” It’s inked on my ankle, and when quitting feels like the easy choice, I look down at that word and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I tell myself, “I get to run,” not “I have to run.” I feel incredibly blessed that my body still allows me to run—maybe not fast, but always with heart.
My Goals
My number one goal is to give back to the running community that has meant so much to me. I love pacing half marathons and encouraging others to hit their goals or cross a finish line for the first time—that’s what brings me the most joy in running!
Right now, I’m training for my second 100K, which I plan to run on my birthday this June. After that, I’m setting my sights on my first 100-miler in 2026.
Also, 2025 will be a milestone year—I’m currently at 89 half marathons, so I’ll be celebrating my 100th sometime next year!
Being a part of Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs has been an absolute blast. It’s always so great to connect with fellow members at races. See you at the Start Line!
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs Newsletter
Congratulations to our Maniac/Fanatic Austin Ambassador Ed Childress (MM10428, DA1019, HF9881) on completing his 250th marathon at the Star Racing Granite Marathon in Nashua, NH
Roger Macmillan(MM1211)-RUNNING LATE!
How I Got Started Into Running
I was 51 years old, working in an engineering office in Fort Mac. One of my best friends—a workmate—came to work each day wearing a running T-shirt. I liked them and wanted one!
He told me, “You have to enter a 10K race and you’ll get one.” So I did. It was in Edmonton.
I started training… sort of! I ran a couple of kilometres two or three times a week.
“I’ll be OK,” I told my wife.
I finished—but it took me 53 minutes. Still, I had my T-shirt, and I was hooked.
Over the next 15 years, I ran numerous 5-milers, 10Ks, and about 50 half marathons.
But my dream was to run a marathon—though I didn’t think I could do it.
Then I bought a copy of Jeff Galloway’s book “The Marathon: You Can Do It.” That was the inspiration I needed.
I began training in earnest in January 2006 and entered the Vancouver Marathon, which was in May. I was 68 years and 8 months old. I finished the race in just over 4 hours and 44 minutes—and felt great at the finish line.
That was the only marathon I ran that year. The next one came in 2007: Victoria—a beautiful course partly run along the ocean. Again, I felt great at the finish. Wow! Now I’ve done two!
The next year, I cranked up the output. I ran four, including my first attempt at Yakima. But, disappointingly, I DNF’d—having caught a dose of bronchitis the day before the race. I started and didn’t feel too bad at first, but my condition worsened, so around halfway, I had to drop out.
Despite that, Yakima turned out to be my all-time favourite. I went on to complete it 12 consecutive years starting in 2009.
That first Yakima in 2008 also introduced me to the Marathon Maniacs, many of whom ran this race every year. Shortly after, I joined this amazing group, becoming member MM1211, and bought several club shirts, hats, and other goodies. I was so proud to wear them at every marathon after that.
At every race, we recognized and acknowledged each other—often meeting up for a beer or a meal.
Over the years, I met and kept in touch with many Maniac friends, including two of mine (and everyone’s favourites): Bob and Lenore Dolphin. They were co-race directors of the Yakima Marathon, and I had the pleasure of joining them for quite a few after-race meals in Yakima and Tacoma.
I never had aspirations to complete all 50 states, provinces, continents, or countries. I tended to repeat the same ones each year simply because I was familiar with how to get there, where to stay, and how to get to and from the start and finish.
Some of my favourites included:
Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Loch Ness, Dublin, New York, Tacoma, and Manitoba, to name just a few.
My best time was at the Queen City Marathon in Regina, at age 71 or 72:
4:33:18.
In the end, I completed 115 marathons—and loved every single one.
—
Roger Macmillan
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
MM1211
Sadie Smith(MM12709)- Five weeks, five races: two* marathons and three halves. This was the month that I set out to see if I could run sub-3 marathons on back to back weekends. I tried it twice, and I dropped down to the half both times. In hindsight, I’m glad I gave it a shot, and the only thing that really bums me out about the experiehce is the damn course kerfuffle in Oregon that brought that race in under 26 miles 😔
I am so incredibly grateful to Jim Smith for holding down the fort in an awesome way as I scrambled about the country doing ridiculous things. And a huge thank you to Jc Santa Teresa, race director extraordinaire, for letting me jump into the Red Island Marathon this morning! (Seriously, if you haven’t run one of his races, you really, really should! His events are always top notch.)
I ended up with four wins and one age group state record, plus a lot of good learning and insight about what my limits are. And I will never, ever attempt another race a week after a Revel for the rest of my life 🤣🤣
Nicole DeBord(MM15101) – ✅ Olathe, KS – state 32
Really pleased with my effort, specifically miles 18-22 when the runners high hit. I finished feeling mentally stronger than maybe I ever have, which feels amazing because I have struggled so so hard this past week with mental health. I’m incredibly grateful God continues to allow my body to do these races, travel to amazing places, and meet fun new people!
I made a quick stop at off Route 66 POPS to see the 66ft. Soda bottle and snagged an orange drink!
Time to stretch and rest. My knees, back, and feet are not ideal. Goal just finish, enjoy the race, and honor this race for what it is – remembering the Oklahoma City Bombing.
Karen Johnson Derrick(MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – I completed the Oklahoma City Memorial marathon yesterday, surprised by the sizable turnout of 25,000 participants in the various events, which kicked off simultaneously. Of these participants, 2,500 were marathon runners, though the initial corral entry was somewhat disorganized. As the race progressed, the course became less congested as runners peeled off onto their respective routes. On the whole, the experience was enjoyable, affording me opportunities to meet new people and catch up with old friends.
Olivia Medina(MM7842)-Finished Med City Marathon!! Marathon #60, State #3 on my 2nd Round of the 50 States. Dedicated to my husband whose Bday is tomorrow. Special Thanks to Maniac Hall of Famer Craig Swanson who I met on the course and helped get me to the Finish.
Karen Eviltwin Vollan(MM2361, DA64, HF104) – Today marked my 500th HM and I’m a Loony Legend with #mainlymarathons. It was a decade in the making, but it’s done, and I can move on to the next goal. So proud of Cyd who completed 🌞 with the @halffanatics without even realizing it. Lol. That’s how it’s done. Thanks to @rmanon for doing the series with me in case my back didn’t hold up. Next up is back surgery and then return to Mainly Marathons as a f**king legend!!! 7 halfs, 1 marathon, and 1 5K for the series.
Glen Anderson (MM2674)-Let’s give a huge round of applause to Glen! His remarkable achievement marks the first time in over a decade that anyone has reached round 9 of running a marathon in every state, setting a new benchmark! Many more will hit it this year! Look forward to celebrating those accomplishments!
Just this week, we checked off Iowa and Nebraska—states 43 and 44—on our next rounds of marathon (or greater) completions. For me, it’s round 7, but for Glen, he’s on the brink of hitting 10!
Today, I chose to rest and cheer for Glen, celebrating his dedication and perseverance. After Sioux Falls canceled their full marathon last fall due to the heat, we faced the challenge of finding another race that would fit our schedules. Thankfully, the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series came to the rescue, allowing us to keep the momentum going.
Congratulations, Glen, on this well-deserved success! ❤️🎉🎉 And a heartfelt shoutout to all the other runners who have conquered the grueling heat wave gripping the Midwest. Your determination and spirit embody the true essence of perseverance. 🌟🏅
Karen Murray Anderson (MM8075, DA576, HF5492) – Today, my heart is overflowing with gratitude! Completing my sixth marathon in every state felt like an incredible achievement, especially since my last sub-6 finish was back in December. I truly didn’t believe I could pull it off today, but with my amazing personal pacer, Julia, by my side, I felt guided and uplifted every step of the way.
To top it all off, I was blessed with surprise visitors! Sarah and her wonderful parents, Betty and Tim, came out to see us, knowing how special this milestone was. Their presence filled the day with joy and encouragement. We met them when Sarah was completing her 50 State quest where she was the youngest female to finish the quest in 2021 They were such a fabulous surprise to see in different states during the pandemic!
A huge shoutout to our incredible sherpas, Gwen and Jayde, who provided unmatched hospitality! Their support at every intersection, and their willingness to help us shed layers as the day warmed up, made all the difference. Thank you again! Sorry we couldn’t stay longer as originally planned You can blame Glen for the change 😜🤣
The Ironhorse Marathon, the first rails to trails in the country, will hold a special place in my heart as Iowa is also no longer my nemisis.
Thank you, Jun, for your thoughtfulness and for bringing us the most delicious cake to celebrate our journey! Extremely grateful for pur friendship! And look forward to being at your 4th round finish in August!! 😘😘
Gysel, also finished strong! While she and Jun are now heading to Flying Pig Marathon, Glen and I are off to conquer the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon. This journey is filled with amazing people, unforgettable experiences, and a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and support. Update: Poor Jun will not make it to Cincin He is smartly resting his poor ankle and knee Best wishes for the speediest recovery Jun!!
Here’s to chasing more dreams and creating more memories together! 🌟🏃♀️💖
Patti Randall Krebsbach(MM2584, DA99, HF629) – London Marathon day! It was a warm day from the beginning and with a start time of 10:40am, most of the day was spent running in the heat. With my name on my shirt, I got to hear dozens of British spectators shout, “GO PAT-EE!” and “YOU GOT THIS, PAT-EE!” When I finally heard someone shout “PATTI”, it was LaBoo cheering on the side!
Marathon #162. Overall race #600.
Brenda Folkerts(MM15695, DA3674, HF18068) – What a great morning for half marathon #88. I love the crowd support in Eugene and it was so much fun to come back and run this one again. It was such a rewarding experience for me pacing with OnPace Race, supporting and encouraging the runners to their epic finish line experience at Hayward Field. So many of the runners with me today were completing their first half marathons, which made it very special! ❤️ Thanks for sharing your half marathon journeys with me. 😀
Karin Evans (MM7466) – Marathon #107
International Marathon #10
London, England 🇬🇧
This afternoon, I ran London, and earned my third ⭐️! It was unbelievably hot 🥵, but I did get the job done.
It was super awesome to see my efforts from the past four months come to fruition this afternoon as I crossed the finish line.
This was my first international marathon wearing my 50 States Marathon Club Finisher shirt. Something I am very proud to wear.
Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – I enjoyed running the Newport Marathon this morning!! Marathon #315 done on a beautiful windy day!!! #marathonmaniacs #newportmarathon #newportroadraces
Eddie Hahn(MM184) – Revel Mt Charleston Las Vegas NV US Marathon. Finish , Marathon 322, 3:41:18, First Boston Qualifier since 2015. Second BQ since 1994.
WARNING: Long boring running post, non-runners can move on…
On April 5th, 2025, I finished the Revel Mt Charleston Marathon near Las Vegas Nevada as a registered runner in 3:41:18. This was my fastest time in a marathon since the Revel Big Bear, November 2019, (5 1/2 years) and 70 marathons ago.
I had run this marathon on seven prior occasions.
I ran as a registered runner only one other time in 2023 in (3:55:54).
My other 6 finishes ranged from 3:45 pacer (3:43:44) (2016) to sweep pacer, 6:30 (6:28:17) (2019).
This represented my first Boston Qualifier since Revel Azusa (2015, my 50th birthday and 200th marathon). (I did not apply to run Boston after that qualifier).
Prior to that, I had not qualified for Boston since 1994.
In 2023 I targeted a potential Boston Qualifying marathon at Revel Cottonwood Utah. I was considering trying to requalify for the 2024 edition-the 30-year anniversary of when I last ran there.
I needed a 3:35:00 or faster for the then 55-59 age group,
I also knew I would need a “buffer” of potentially up to 3 minutes so effectively I would need to finish in 3:32:00 to be ensured of a position.
In that race, I stayed lock step with the two 3:35 marathon pacers through the half marathon, got carried away, caught the 3:30 pacer at 18 miles, “blew up” at 20 miles when we exited the Canyon and overheated in the sun, posting 10-minute miles for at least the final three and finishing in 3:48.
I targeted Revel Mt Charleston as a first serious re-attempt to Boston Qualify for the 60-64 group, taking advantage of Boston’s “day of race” qualifying age standard, and if I “failed” to run my (30th anniversary since last Boston), maybe I could qualify for Boston’s “130th” anniversary.
I had a good endurance base from pacing marathons and a fair amount of treadmill speedwork during the rainy winter, so it seemed like I would be a go.
It was 28F at the start, about 5 degrees higher than the year prior-but there was a bitter wind making the air temps cooler.
I wore an old Army sweater for the first 7 miles, before donating it at one of the aid stations. Heather Zeigler and I made the observation that the first porta johns grouping were almost all zip tied shut. Maybe 2 were open-I could not understand why.
The second grouping naturally had the overflow of runners deferred from inability on the first. So, I waited for the third-for my one and only stop -and my guess was right that I wouldn’t lose as much time-
After I got out of there, I couldn’t believe how hard I was working to get back to the 3:50 pacer, whom I had just “almost” caught.
My first thought was “well this doesn’t speak well for how the day is going to go”–considering I PACED 350 the year prior, and now I was working so hard to catch him.
But when I caught and passed (them), I felt fine. For the next 7 miles, I was somewhere between the 3:50 and 3:45 pacer, and other than a crosswind I felt like I was fighting in parts, felt good. I started thinking that “if I catch the 3:45, that gives me a 5-minute buffer, and should be fine” .
I caught them at about 17 miles.
Having run so many marathons -sometimes its like playing poker-just taking a chance that pushing the pace after catching them wont come back to bite me as I drift back after potentially imploding in another hour.
Still feeling good, I made the decision to push on.
It turned out, having run this course 7 prior times, I was “over thinking” some of the more technical aspects.
For some reason I was thinking the canyon decent essentially evaporated at mile 20, when in fact that’s closer to mile 21.
Also, there is a short 200-meter incline between 22 and 23 that felt more like a half mile the year it got hot. This year with temps at the bottom in the low 60s, I rounded the corner before the hill and ascended with no issues. Mile 23-25 represents a long mostly flat plateau, that can be a real grind-but this year that section was accompanied by a tailwind.
Pushing on I remembered after 25 miles only 2 major turns, and two cliche marathon sayings: “pain is temporary, pride is forever” and “there will come a day, no matter who we are, when we can’t do this anymore”
Barb Buttin(MM15607)- Finished Mt. Charleston #3. This time I ran only based on heart rate and effort (keeping both on the low side) and was happy to come in under 5 hours and without breaking down.
As always, Vegas with friends did not disappoint. Great food, drinks, special moments, and amazing company. And lots of Gordon Ramsay
Sandy Gage(MM3905) – Completed my second Abbott Six Star of World Majors and number 177 of a goal to hit 200 Marathons. Had a blast running and Pacing my IERC buds, but it was difficult with a field of 57,000 runners! Attitude is everything and I just went out and had fun!
Damien McKeown(HF18731)– South Dakota and the Sioux Falls Skedaddle. State #32
Half Fanatics Club photo at the MCM Historic Half Marathon.
Katy Fetzer (HF8306)-Mystic Half Marathon and 10k is in the books. Half #89 for me and my boyfriend’s 2nd 10k!
Christine Murasaki Ainsworth(MM13525, DA3296, HF17376) – I did it !! Thank you for all the get well & good luck wishes !!! You all helped me get to the start & finish line !!
I was able to continue my streak and completed my 7th consecutive Boston Marathon, 10 overall, & 76th lifetime marathon.
It was a tough day in the marathon office. I was in pain the whole 26.2 miles after
I suddenly fell a few minutes after crossing the start line. :(( No idea what caused it to happen. My brain signalled the feet to move quickly on the downhill start. I dropped so hard the guys who kindly lifted me off the pavement thought I had a cardiac event or passed out. I banged up both knees so they were bleeding through my torn compression tights. My right arm/elbow sported a new gash, and I tore the toe of my brand new Nike Alphaflys. 😞
As many of you know I had COVID just days before the race but I honestly felt good. I had no cough or temp for several days. My lymphedema leg /foot was even being good. My double vision was a problem but I didn’t bump into anyone once or twice. 😉
I was forced to run way slower because my knees and reason my whole body hurt from falling. Everything stiffened up. So it was my personal worst marathon time for Boston 5:41 with a record 4 porta-potty stops. Although it was brutal stepping up, sitting down, getting back up because my knees wouldnt bend. 😉 My goal was to start & finish to continue my streak. If I miss a year the clock goes back to zero. I’ve worked too hard to let that happen, so I kept putting one foot in front of the other even when I thought at several points maybe I should just stop but my rule is if I’m not badly injured or really sick, then I finish it. I’ve found it often takes more mental toughness to finish a marathon.
A big heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to support my run for Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge this year. Every dollar and every mile gets us closer to ultimate finish line, “a world without cancer.” If you are feeling left out and would like to still donate to further cancer research, I’m still accepting donations until July 31, 2025 on my DFMC fundraising page & Facebook Fundraiser. We are currently at $ 13,864.68.
Runner Mike Hk(MM3337) – Qingdao marathon
Darlene Schuman(HF17507) – medal Monday. Half #150 done @ midwest half marathon series. God is good!
Scott Pearson(HF18577) – Dash around Kampeska half marathon this morning. Half number 62. It was a cool and windy day. 37 at the start with some pretty stiff winds. This is one of my favourite types of races. A nice small race that circled a lake. A beautiful course. There were not alot of folks out to cheers us on, but those that were, were awesome. The volunteer were rock stars . They kept everything flowing in brutal winds. Did I mention it was windy today.
Edward W Broadnax Jr.(MM5931, DA908, HF9258)- This was a pretty good Half Marathon. For there inarguable Little River Rush Half Marathon in Townsend TN. 😊
Congratulations to Lynne Kilirnr (MM12242, DA2065, HF13464) -on completing her
Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Journey for a Fourth Time in London.
Carla Champ Marie Simon(MM14304, DA3133, HF13789) – After three consecutive days of running, including today, I plan to take one to three days off from running and switch to biking or swimming. I’ll definitely rest tomorrow. Today, I completed the Epic Full Marathon in 5 hours and 35 minutes, marking my 42nd lifetime marathon or ultra-marathon finish. Yesterday, I competed in the Special Olympics area competition, earning 1st place in shot put, 2nd place in the 3200-meter run, and 4th place in the 100-meter dash. I’m confident this qualifies me for the state games at UW-Whitewater.
Ronita Bland(MM12368, DA2131, HF8514) – Cleveland had the perfect temps for running today. This ends my marathon season. Taking a break during summers in the south🔥🔥🔥
Anne Noble(MM15938)-50th all time marathon, 2 in 2 days!
My 1st double! OMG that was a lot of running back and forth! 23rd and 24th state! Slowest marathons ever!
Congratulations to Sadie Smith(MM12709), the female winner of the REVEL White Mountains Marathon, who crushed the race in 2:52:16! 🔥
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook Pages and the individual members listed above.
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