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.
Karen Johnson Derrick(MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – Yesterday I completed the Montana Marathon, also known as the Queen Bee. The weather was particularly hot, but I managed to finish under 6 hours and had the opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and establish new connections. Next weekend, I will be participating in the Utah Valley Marathon, followed by a 7-week break to undergo cataract surgery. Unfortunately, I only captured a few photographs.
Eddie Hahn(MM184) – No matter how rough the day, friends always brighten it up. Some day none of us will be able to do this running hobby we love. With Dan Delino and Karen A Flynn marathon and half finishers respectively…… fellow Marathon Maniacs at the San Diego Rock and Roll June Shine Garden. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics at Branson’s Great Bacon Race half marathon.
Maniacs/50 Staters group photo in Montana
Amy Maciejewski(MM9429)- Fargo was good to me! Finally back under 4 hours. Last time I managed that was Eugene 2022. I really enjoyed this race and just crossed off my 19th state!
Maniacs/50 Staters group photo in Fargo.
James Waddell(HF4476) – Pisgah Farms and Furlongs 1/2 Mare-athon and 10k. Perfect weather for this race. Normally Hot and Humid. Have ran it all 4 yrs, and the first year I had to borrow someone’s finish medal to get this picture due to not having enough. Mine is on the way, hopefully from the USPS. Thanks to all the farms and volunteers for all the hospitality for allowing us once again to run through your beautiful farms. Added bonus was to see friends and family at this event. Christina Rivera David Austin Debbi Dillon Lippert Jacqueline Schreiver Heather McClanahan. Congrats David and Christina for winning first in each of your age groups.
Jun Ulama(MM12617) – Fargo Marathon GoFar Challenge and Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon double weekend in the books!
5K race on Friday and 26.2 miles yesterday in Fargo, plus a Half marathon (13.1 miles) shuffle today in Chicago. It took me over 20 hours to drive 1,346 miles in 4 states just to do 42.4 miles! I have a follow-up consultation with my orthopedic surgeon in a couple of days to check on my injured foot, but I would probably need to see a psychiatrist also.🥴
Randy Riley(MM14470, DA3218, HF16432) – Youngstown Marathon Sole to City Half Marathon. Tough day to be the race directors. The medals were stuck in customs and the shuttle buses that were to take us from the finish line to the start before the race didn’t show up. The RDs made everything work though. They gave out previous years half marathon medals and put some of us in the Second Sole van and told the rest to drive to the start and they would get them back to their cars after the race. The medals and Age Group awards will be available on Wednesday. Hats off to them for pulling it all together!
It’s a point to point course starting at the Second Sole store in Boardman winding north through and around Mill Creek Park to the heart of downtown Youngstown on Federal St to the finish. This is a very hilly course, steep enough that you’re braking on some of the downhills. Congratulations to Rizza Salvoro Durbin who beat last weekend’s Medina time. And for reminding me to get a photo this week. I also came in a few seconds better than last week’s time and got a 3rd place AG. Half Fanatics 100 Half Marathons Club #medalmonday.
John Shangin(MM15948) – I completed the Capital City Marathon this morning in Olympia, Washington. I was one of the members of the pacing team. It was a warm one after the sun came out! 81% Humidity to keep it interesting 🤣🤣🤣 I had a great time meeting new people and touring the city on a 26.2 mile run✅️🏁 Have a great Sunday Runday friends! My 25th Marathon 😁🏃♂️ #RunSRC #marathonmaniacs #marathoner #runnersofinstagram #runningismytherapy #srcambassador
Sue Stevens(MM12891, DA2452, HF8593)– With no half or even a full marathon within driving distance this weekend, I opted to do the Freedom 50 Ultramarathon. (50k option). This was a new race along beautiful, flat paved trails in Puyallup and Orting and I was glad I did it and can now say I’m an Ultramarathoner!!
Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – It was a beautiful day for a beautiful marathon in Northern Wisconsin!! I really enjoyed the Northwoods Escape marathon. I would recommend it!! #marathon #50statemarathonclub #marathonmaniacs #northwoodsescapemarathon
Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891, HF16015) – Half marathon #187. Laguna Hills half. Always love this race. It’s for a great cause, it’s a 10 minute drive from my house, and I’m home by 10:15. Great weather of course and love seeing friends out there. Buckled my ankle this morning like a dummy right before the race. A little ankle roll, but I managed to have a good race and finished in 2:04 even with a little soreness. Now I have to ice and rest. Finally got to meet Nadia Ruiz on the course with her dad. She’s such an inspiration and I love seeing her and her dad out there. That’s awesome.
Next up San Diego rock ‘n’ roll marathon.
Happy running !
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the Edinburgh Marathon yesterday. 50-53F windchills and 22mph winds. Course was a 5M tour of the old town, followed by going north towards the Firth of Forth. Then 12.5M east and 8.5M west. The last 17M was an out/back with a small circle at the turnaround. 294 ft elevation gain as per Strava. The first 5M had a net descent of 280 ft. Hills were pretty subtle. The wind was generally behind us for the first 17.5M and against us afterwards. Very little tree or building wind cover. The weather forecast had a chance of rain, so two layers on top.
This was a tough race with the crowds and the wind. I did the first half sub 2:37 which was a bit slower than recently. However, I only added 3 minutes in the second half in spite of the wind. Finished 5:17:14. We only had 3 short rain squalls and that helped. However, the apparent temps really dropped during those squalls.
Featured Club Member: Suzie Coker(HF11134)-I was never the athletic type – no desire to ever run – but back in 2012 when a friend’s daughter asked her mother and I ran a 5K with her for her birthday – it sounded fun – so at the age of 52 I found a couch to 5K app and started training for my first 5K. I flew from Tulsa to LA to run my first 5k with that friend. It was fun and over the next couple of years I sporadically ran local 5Ks around Tulsa. In 2014 I decided I was going to run a 10K.
That year I ran a 10K and a 15K and – inspired by a couple of friends I had met through Team RWB I trained and ran the Route 66 Half Marathon. I had so much fun – I immediately signed up to do it again the following year.
I became a Half Fanatic in 2015 running the Aquarium Run in Tulsa, Hogeye in Fayetteville and the St. Jude Country Music Half in Nashville (now Rock and Roll half) in less than 30 days.
Route 66 is still a favorite race even after moving from Tulsa to Dallas – I have not missed it once since 2012. I have several “favorite” races but Route 66 will always have that special place in my heart.
I ran the Dallas BMW full Marathon in December 2021 … I am happy with that accomplishment and proud of myself for doing that – but the half is my distance!
Now coming up on age 64 I have run 58 Half marathons across 12 states. I am not fast – I’m just happy that the ‘party days’ of my youth have evolved into a much healthier version of a fun ‘party’!
See you at Route 66 in November – if not before!
Suzie Coker HF 11134
Instagram: Suzq2002
Meet Joline Cox – Maniac 15462-Joline Cox- Becoming a Maniac
My name is Joline Cox and my journey to becoming a Maniac started in the small town Heber Springs Arkansas in 2018, I was a stay at home wife and mother to three boys and found myself stuck in a rut gaining weight and not taking care of my health. In my youth I had always been pretty fit, especially during my days in the U.S. Army. After attempting diet and exercise with very little results I made the tough decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. This decision was the first stepping stone in a journey that I never would have believed possible! After the surgery I began running on the road in front of my house. I found myself running further and further until one glorious day I ran an entire mile without stopping! As I finished that run I immediately went to my husband and told him what I had just done and that within one year of that day I would run a full Marathon! He told me maybe set my goals more realistically and I told him absolutely not. I think this might the day I became what I call RUNCRZY!.
I signed up for a local 5k and after completing that I signed up for more, it was during one of these races that had multiple distances that I had my first encounter with a Marathon Maniac. This woman crossed the finish line of a half marathon skipping, laughing and truly looking like a Maniac. I had to meet her and she told me all about what the club was and how to join I swore to myself that one day I would join them. Fast forward a few months and after much pain, sweat and tears I finished my first full marathon just 9 months after making the vow to my husband that I would do it within a year! Ithink he was just as amazed as I was that I was a marathon runner. He asked me what I was going to do now and all I could say was more marathons!
Since then I became Maniac #15462 and have as of this writing ran 28 marathons and tons of shorter races. I am so grateful for what running has brought into my life and the amazing peopled that I have met along the way!
Hope to meet you all on the road soon!
Joline Cox RUNCRZY!
On 5/16/25, Marathon Maniacs lost an incredible ultramarathoner, Stan Clark (MM#15875, HF#18459, DA#3719). Stan ran a couple of half marathons in his early years, but around the time he was retiring at 65 years old, he decided he needed a hobby.
In 2017, Stan started working on his 50 states for half marathons. He joined Half Fanatics in 2021 around the time he was wrapping up his 50th state. On 8/4/22, he finished his 50th state in Juneau, Alaska with the Mainly Marathons Alaska Series. Just two short months later, he became an ultramarathoner!
On 10/3/22 at 70 years old, Stan switched gears and decided that 50k’s were more his pace. Between October 2022 and March of 2025, Stan ran 50k’s in 47 states. He also started paying attention to his numbers and realized from June 2024 to March of 2025, he had run 50k’s in 23 different states so Titanium was within reach.
Stan completed three more marathons at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series, finishing his final marathon on 5/13/25. He completed a half marathon on 5/15/25 but cut it short because the weather was atrocious. He passed away the following morning.
Stan was always accompanied to the races by his wife of 52 years, Betsy. She was his biggest supporter, always having his favorite drinks and snacks packed in a cooler and making sure he was hydrated, cool enough and having fun.
Stan had planned to finish his Titanium status and his 50th state of 50k’s in June. He was scheduled for a full marathon in Maryland on June 5th and his final three 50ks on June 7th in Sussex, New Jersey, June 10th in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and on June 13th in Claremont, New Hampshire to finish this quest.
Stan ran 102 of his 110 half, full and ultra marathons with Mainly Marathons. His Mainly Marathons family will be honoring Stan during these races to finish what he started three short years ago.
Danny Terpstra -(HF18888, DA3824, MM16235)- A little crazy
I ran intervals for about a year in the early 2000s, working my way up to a 20K race. I felt awful and lonely during the 20K race, and it felt like all my training was a waste of time. Within six months, I gave up running.
Fast-forward to October 2022. I joined Fleet Feet Tacoma’s Couch to 5K program (Ignite!) mainly for health reasons. I knew I had to increase my activity, lose some weight, and improve my blood work, as my doctor was threatening a 10% risk of death in the next 10 years! Having an accountability group of runners and signing up for monthly races motivated me to keep running.
My current training partner, Amber Wadey, suggested I run a nonstop 5K race on July 4, 2023. I thought the suggestion was a bit crazy; however, upon reflection, I realized it was possible and went for it. Wow! What a day!
I decided to train for my first half marathon, which occurred in September 2024, on my 58th birthday. I also decided to run my first full marathon on May 4, 2025, in my home city, Tacoma, surrounded by all who ran with me and supported me. To keep up my monthly mileage, I ran a half marathon every month, logging eight consecutive half marathons.
All of my serious training has been with the Fleet Feet long-distance group. This group was a perfect fit for me because one of the things I decided I needed to do if I were to take on new racing milestones is that I would never feel like I did after that 20K race 25 years ago. This decision meant I would be more than prepared for every upcoming race. So when I ran my first half marathon, I completed it and sprinted for the last 2 miles! I had the exact training expectations for my first marathon but underestimated my fueling needs and bonked at mile 18. Even though I had completed my milestone, I never got to see what my strength and cardio could achieve. One of my Fleet Feet friends, Marie Zornes, suggested I run a second marathon two weeks later. I thought this was a bit crazy (are you detecting a theme here?); however, I also saw this as an opportunity to create a better fueling plan and see what I could do. My second marathon was the Capital City Marathon, with a PR 9 minutes better than Tacoma and another sprint over the finish line.
So now I am a double agent! I achieved Uranus level Fanatic and bronze Maniac!
I am thankful for the racing promotions Tacoma City Marathon Association (TCMA), Run Super Series, Oly Trail Runners, and Evergreen Trail Runs for bringing me race day joy. My wife Christie for her support, and Fleet Feet Tacoma Crew for all they have done for me.
Next milestone: Ragnar Trail!
Runner Mike Hk(MM3337)- my 318th marathon in Brisbane marathon was my 5th different australian marathon after cairns , gold coast , sydney and melbourne. as expected it was well organised , a runners marathon with non of the fancy food or entertainnent of japanese marathons although Hokkaido also similar.
weather was almost perfect cool dry start got a little warm but the breeze was good..hardly sweated the whole route which meant i did not really need the electoryte offered and mainly sipped the water. plenty of drinks tables and toilets . that was good as the day before had rained heavily.
support was good along the route although no crowds. ..again normal in most marathons.
the route was 2 loops and quite hilly but not steep..just constantly up and down except for the waterfront area. although i did see the 5k and 10k runners they never clashed with me and route marking was quite clear although i think the 30k mark was in the wrong place.
start and finish areas were well managed although again unlike japanese marathons was a quiet affair similar to many smaller marathons….expo was also small….really just a place to collect your bib. end of race plenty to drink , bananas and oranges. race start and finish only 800m from my hotel.
overall enjoyed the run over the bridge , along the riverside and through the brisbane suburbs.
next phuket then back to australia for Gold Coast marathon.
Karen Gordon(MM12170, DA2028, HF13486) – My 24th consecutive San Diego RocknRoll Marathon was super fun including 3rd place in my division! Whoohooo 6 marathons in 5 months done ✔️ Marathon #79 is in the books. I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 So fun to see Coach Paul Greer again this year at so many places on the course and see Karen A Flynn and Dan Delino and run with fellow Marathon Maniac Michael Schwartz and meet Lindsey Goldbloom.
Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – Today I completed half #179 Acadia Half Marathon in Maine! It is a beautiful course and it is super cool that it actually goes through the National Park. It is quite hilly though but worth it for the views. While the course was awesome, production and swag were only alright. My biggest issue is when I signed up the race time was states as 6:45 to 10:30 so a 3:45 time limit but when I got the final instructions it was changed to 6:30 to 10:00 so a 3:30 time limit and we were never notified. While I knew I could make the new time limit it did mean I would have to keep track of my time and couldn’t take as many photo breaks as I initially planned to. There is an early walker start but I wasn’t getting up before 5am just to take some extra photos and look at my Garmin less. The rest of production was fine but kind of bare bones and on an open course with the last bit on a busy road which I didn’t like but I understand there are likely limitations with the race being in the National Park. Bar Harbor and Acadia were also amazing places to visit. Overall it wasn’t necessarily my favorite Maine race but it was my favorite place to visit in Maine so if you are looking for a good race in a great vacation location this would be a good choice.
Aman Jindal(HF18919)-Half Marathon 8: Bear, Delaware! MainlyMarathons Independence Series Day 1!
Robert Manon(HF3646, DA431, MM6700) – Medal Monday
623rd and 624th lifetime half marathons were the Summer Vibes Half and the Rock n Roll San Diego Half Marathon.
Randy Riley(MM14470, DA3218, HF16432) – Today FedEx delivered my age group award from the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Half. It’s based on the Survivor tree.
(From the Memorial Website)
The Survivor Tree is an American elm tree in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, it survived the bomb’s blast and witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks on American Soil. What was once an ignored, unassuming urban tree is now an iconic symbol of hope.
On that fateful day, (April 19, 1995) it became much more than just another downtown tree. It endured one of the worst terrorist attacks ever to occur on American Soil. The tree was situated directly across the street from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, completely exposed to the full force of the 4,000-pound bomb that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more.
Jolanta Thorburn(HF18464, DA3742, MM15959)-That’s a wrap on all 50 states + DC! 🏁 I just ran the Fairfield Half in Connecticut — my final state — and crossed the line with a personal best of 1:49:07! 🎉
The PR was the cherry on top of this wild, wonderful journey🍒✨ my first sub-1:50. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending!
I started this challange on March 28, 2021, with a half marathon in my home state of Washington. From the very beginning, I had one clear goal: to finish before my 50th birthday — and today, I did just that, completing my final race in Connecticut 6 months ahead of turning 50! #50Before50
Just over 4 years and 2 months — filled with miles and memories. This adventure took me across the country, through small towns and big cities, and introduced me to incredible runner friends who I will continue to cherish for the rest of my life!
Patty Z Bishop(HF12118)- Today is race day… Finished Half Marathon #233 at the
Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, ‘World’s Highest Marathon’, at Namche Bazaar, in the Northeastern Himalaya Mountains Nepal…
Stefanie Holliday(MM14386, DA3313, HF17442)- Nothing like running my home state of Colorado-Basalt Half-Marathon (outside Aspen). I’ll never get all my states if I don’t stop running my home, but WHY? Best time of year! No words describe the beauty to me…#59 of the half-marathon side of me. 🏃🏻♀️⛰️
Age 55 💕💙 Stefanie McKinney-Holliday (Double Agent #3313)
Karen A Flynn(HF1043, DA158, MM4024), Dan Delino (HF1058, DA161, MM4049)– 12th
La Jolla Half Marathon, 6th YTD & 216th lifetime half marathon is in the books!+
Jennifer Clark(HF16743, DA#3643, MM#15623)- Medal Monday!!
Texas Triple in Dallas.
3 days of running a half marathon! Saturday May 24, Sunday May 25 and Monday, Memorial Day, May 26!!
Three medals for three days and an extra medal for completing all three!
Details to follow!!
Half Fanatics at the American Hero Half Marathon in San Antonio, Texas!
Katie Applegate(HF18527)-Half marathon #61 and checked off a new state! Coeur d’Alene half marathon.
Gregory Rouson(HF8068, MM12723, DA2354)-Lifetime half marathon #246 and first Buffalo Half Marathon…DONE!!! I can sum up this race up in one word: Unicorn (No, not the Boston Marathon kind 😏). Weather: Perfect. Course: A few long inclines but no big hills. Logistics: SUPER easy. 9/10. 👍🏾🏃🏿♂️ #HF8068 #MM12723 #DA2354 #HalfFanatics #100halfmarathonsclub #GoBlue #ForTheFallen #purposefulsteps #wearblueruntoremember #buffalomarathon #Roustance
Cyd Antang-Plotkin(HF18867, DA3802, MM7715) – Just finished 8 days running (Prairie Series) with Mainly Marathons…Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, S. Dakota, N. Dakota and Minnesota. The group experienced heat, wind, rain and tornado warnings…but we got it done.
Marathons: 219 lifetime
Half Marathons: 75 lifetime. FYI – 52 half marathons within 365 days.
Jen Merkel (HF18545, MM16126, DA3791) – Yesterday I ran my 50th half marathon. I started running 10 years ago at the age of 46. It was a health scare that was the catalyst for change. Inspiration and invaluable advice from runner friends got me going on this path. I was literally the kid who faked sick to get out of gym class. I was moderately active as an adult, but never really exercised. That has changed dramatically. I am so grateful for this journey I’ve been on and the support I’ve received from so many wonderful people. I ran my first full marathon at 50 years old and am now looking forward to my first and second majors at Berlin and Chicago this fall. I’m not fast, but I’ll get it done.
Maniacs and Fanatics at SD RnR ❤️
David Blas(MM13968)- Medal Monday- San Diego RnR June 1st
Marathon #45 ~ Warm humid weather, poor air quality and a killer long hill near the end made this race my hardest to date. Happy to have finished it.
Michele Grieves(MM14218)- The Great Bangor Marathon ✅ a very small marathon that included a half. Thankful to have found company and conversation for this one.
Happy to say this helped me level up! This group is crazy 🤣
Karin Evans(MM7466)- It was super awesome to receive my 50 States finisher trophy at my Alma Mater 👩🎓 at Fargo yesterday. Next up is Grandma’s in Duluth, MN. I’ve been a Marathon Maniac for twelve years. 👟
Nikki Carden(MM16161)- Fargo Marathon with my sisters!
Lynne Kilirnr(MM12242, DA2065, HF13464)- Helsinki city and malbun marathons ✅
Finland 5-17-25
Liechtenstein 5-25-25
Sandee Landon(MM7745)-Vermont City Marathon! #medalmonday
Eric DeBelly(MM14270)- Northwoods Escape Marathon in Minocqua,WI. Carla Stewart(MM11595, DA3807, HF18880) ran the full while I ran the half. Beautiful course well supported for us back of the packers. Highly recommend! #medalmonday
Edward W Broadnax Jr.(MM5931, DA 908, HF9253) – Johnston Trail festival complete! 50k done! Tough course but a nice trail run!
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook Pages and the individual members listed above.
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