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.
Barb Buttin(MM15607) – I did it!! Finished the NYC marathon with all its Burroughs and looming bridges. The spectators are unbelievable, I’ve never seen and heard that much cheering and loved the different vibes in the different parts of the city. Now time to rest😀❤️🏃🏻♀️
Marcus Carmicle(MM15632, DA3648, HF17428) – Thrilled to have made the NYC marathon my 60th marathon! #NYCMarathon2025 #victoryparty #60
Karen Murray Anderson (MM8075, DA576, HF5492) & Glen Anderson (MM2674)-🌟 Thinking of all my friends running the New York City Marathon today! Major FOMO vibes while we were out running in Louisville. 😅 Despite the drizzle we had for a couple of hours, I still made the best of it.
💪 Huge shoutout to Gregory James for crushing it and taking 2nd in his age group! 🎉 It’s always inspiring to see friends pushing their limits. Great spending some time with you. 🏃♂️✨
Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136)- 28th lifetime marathon 27th state done!! New Mexico’s Albuquerque Run Fiesta.. The inaugural year.. I’m always leery of new races but they really tried hard and i felt it was a good race! Over 1000 people registered between the half, the marathon, and the 10k.. The medals were nice and i even got 1st (of2) in my age group 60-69…. I tried l keeping up with the 430 pacer, he actually did mcm last weekend too but this was rough even though it was flat… i walked way more than i wanted to towards the end and my foot really hurts again… i got like 5:17, too slow, but at least it’s done
Sadie Smith(MM12709) – I had so much fun this morning at the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon ❤️ What a great event! My goal today was to enjoy my run and get the state record for my age (3:04:38). Finished in 3:00:36 with a surprise win.
I think this is my new favorite Missouri Marathon (but I still love you, HoA!!) The hills aren’t large, but they are constant 🤣 But that was offset by the incredibly nice volunteers and spectators. The organization was top- notch, and bonus points for the prayer service pre- race at the start line.
Tahira Bland(HF18830) – BG 26.2 & Half Marathon: Bowling Green, Kentucky – November 2, 2025.
My ancestors were definitely with me on this one. Even had a man named Jack walk the first 10 miles with me. Jack was my grandfather’s nickname. ♥️
Hometown 4.0 stars*** 🏡
John Shangin(MM15948) – I just finished the Louisville Kentucky Marathon! It was at Beckley Creek park, a chilly 44 degrees at the start. It got hilly in a hurry⛰️. I pushed my pace today. My body responded well, so I just kept pushing. The rain started somewhere around mile 14. I got soaked but can’t complain because it kept me cool. Derby Pie at the finish line was awesome! Kentucky was great! 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
Marathon #30
U.S. State #24
Finish Time: 4:10:06
Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21) – My fifth marathon/ultra in the last four weekends. Completed the In Unity We Run Marathon in Kent Washington. Some wind, some rain, a little sunshine it was a mixed bag of weather. Still dealing with a sore hamstring, I took this one easy. Ran basically even splits (2:20:27/2:20:43). No races the next two weekends will allow me to rest up.
Tina Torun(HF16109, DA3665, MM15672) – Amazing birthday race at Ocean City Maryland RunFest Half Marathon! A bit windy, 64F sunny at the finish! I finished and beat my goal time of 3:30, which was going to be tougher since falling on Sunday. Taking ibuprofen before the race definitely help my side pain not ache as much. State 39 and Half Marathon 89 completed! Thank you for all the birthday wishes and I haven’t been able to read the over 250 greetings yet. My phone had 15% battery at the end of the race and when I turned my phone on, it was blowing up with notifications and messages! I feel so loved!😍🙏😊 Tons more to post later. Celebrating even more tonight!
Robert Manon(MM6700, DA431, HF3646) – This morning I ran the Dia de los Muertos Half Marathon. It was held in Huntington Beach and put on by CaliFlow Runs . We had great running weather, it stayed nice and cool the whole race. Once again, they put on an amazing race. The hundreds of people at the event all had a blast. I had an okay race, I was exhausted from Halloween but I still was able to finish in under 2 hours and it was good enough to win my age group for a bonus medal. Congrats to everyone out there. Time to rest and repeat tomorrow, but this time the race will be held in Long Beach. Thanks again for putting on not just a great race but an experience.
Amy Sea(MM15348, DA3652, HF18410) – Today I completed Half #197 Cambridge Half in MA!! Overall this was a nice race. It is a nice flat course with fall foliage and views of the Boston skyline across the river. The most fun part is running through the Harvard Football stadium. It is all on either closed roads or the public path on the Charles River so no worrying about traffic. It’s a huge race with over 10,000 runners. Production was a good with just a few small areas to improve on. The corrals started quite a bit later than the time listed on the website and I felt it could use an additional aid station or two. Otherwise very nice race. We had perfect weather and it’s a fast course so I had one of my fastest finishing times this year. I got 2 medals since I also did the 5K on Saturday. The race does have a stated 3 hour time limit. However they weren’t strict and I was having a very fast race so wasn’t in danger of missing it. Didn’t have many of the issues I’ve been having at other New England races cutting it closer to the time limit. Would recommend for MA as long as you can finish around 3 hours
I’m going to take a break from half marathons next weekend and run a full marathon 😜
Richard Holguin(HF17006, DA3206, MM12584) – 22nd Shouhashi Half Marathon
2025 Premier Event of Ryukyu
I love this event 💕 The hill and all 🤣
A great way to spend the day with 5,000+ runners facing the same challenge 💪🏼
Gracias a Dios for allowing me to keep doing this thing that I love 🙏🏼
Jennifer Clark(HF16743, DA3643, MM15623)- Madison Station Half
Madison MS
Saturday November 1, 2025
Enjoyed the Madison station half marathon on Saturday! Nice T-shirt and metal along with in the course that I think was an improvement! The volunteers did a great job as did the police both in Madison In Ridgeland, Mississippi. Part of the race was along the Natchez Trace trail, which runs by along the Parkway.
Most of all, it was a Jackson area race, so it was great seeing local friends!
Next week, David and I are off to Salina Kansas for the Crossroads Half on Saturday and then down to Texas for the Fort Worth Half on Sunday.
Planning on reaching 400 Halfs by the time Hattiesburg Half rolls around on 4/11/25!
Congratulations to all those who ran this weekend and happy running!
Shani Waite(HF17863, DA3483, MM15086) – Had a wonderful run at the 11th annual Cocoa Beach Half Marathon, in the Space Coast area of Cocoa Beach, FL.
Charlene Mercer Board(HF7024)– Half Marathon #142
Run Like A Nut Half Marathon in Florence, SC was #142 for me.
It’s a smaller race but it’s worth the drive from Fayetteville. To my surprise I ran into J SlyDi Wms who was running the 10K in preparation for her race tomorrow in Raleigh ( she took 3rd place in that race)
After the race the town holds a Huge Pecan Festival that spans through their town with about 7-8 streets lined with food trucks and at the end of each street they have live bands playing different genre of music. They also have a lot of things for the kids to participate in ( many jumping houses ) they even had a mini carnival. It’s also pet friendly.
Thanks to my husband Mark and puppy Harley for getting up at 5:30 AM to join me on this amazing journey.🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️
I finished in 2:35:01 and took 3rd place in my age group.
HF#7024
Before hitting the starting line, we always try to snap a ‘Family Photo’ when possible. The Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family—spotted at races nationwide—grabbed a few quick group shots ahead of the New York City Marathon in New York, NY on November 1, 2025.
Jorgina Sanders(HF16456) – Harbor Half #158
I was scared of today’s race. It was running on the Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi. Once I got up there, it was as bad as I thought. Beautiful view!
Scott Pearson(HF18577) – It May not have been my best idea a week after last cowboy backyard ultra, but Half 70 is in the books with the hillbilly hike this morning in Iowa. Not a new state but a well done local race. A chilly 40 at the start, but the rain held off until after the race. Side note it included a bit of sleet in the downpour as I drove to my hotel. The race left the buses to let us sit in until start. It was a beautiful course through fall foliage on a paved trail. At the start I had to convince my legs that yes we are doing this today. Went well until mile 10 when they said really. I told them shut up we are almost done. During a tough year one of my best times at 240. The volunteers were troopers in this weather. You do know you are in a hunting state when the volunteers cold gear is mostly in blaze orange. Post race they served biscuits and gravy as well as pie. I was not impressed with this year’s medal being wood, but past years medals have been very nice. I assume it is to cut costs, but I have had several races go with the wood medals this year. Might be just me but they do not impress me
Karen A Flynn(MM4024, DA158, HF1043), Dan Delino(MM4049, DA161, HF1058), – Memories from my 219th lifetime half marathon & 1st half marathon run in 2 countries in one race! The Binational Race started in San Diego, CA & finished in Tijuana, Mexico on Sunday 10/26/25. What a cool & unique experience to be part of a regional movement promoting cultural, social, academic, sports, political & family exchange between our countries across the busiest international land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere! What a thrill it was running through the border gates & then later onto the finish line to find that I also won my age group! It was definitely a race to remember!
Michelle Migneault Cox(HF17353) – My medal Monday is for the Niagara Falls International Half! (Saw a couple Marathon Maniacs)
My review:
This race was beautiful and the medal was awesome, BUT…this race could do a whole lot better. I know there’s more cons than pros, and I probably should have done the Toronto Waterfront last weekend.
-Race morning logistics were atrocious! I mapped from my hotel and knew to avoid Niagara River pkwy so took portage rd not realizing I would have to make a left onto the other road (marineland pkwy). People sat in traffic forever. A 12 min drive was 40+ the busses couldn’t get through either so taking shuttle from Sheraton really wouldn’t have helped. The people on marineland pkwy were letting portage rd people in or they just weren’t going! When I finally got close enough (15min to race start) I went in the right lane and turned left! Why were people just sitting there not trying to go!
-So I got there and parked and made it just in time. Then standing there wondering why we haven’t started the race started 15min late!
-The race itself was 2 out and backs so kind of boring. -Race finish food was abysmal, but at least there was still a lot left since I was almost 4 hrs finish.
-Getting out after the race was horrendous(liking my descriptive words?) I mean no one was moving for 5 min and the line out of the parking area was an hour long easily! Parking at marineland would be the better option as they were out quick! I went up and over a curb to get to main rd so I only waited abt 5 min. Packet pickup was better than many but not great for such a big race.
-They started the 10k and Half at same time, horrible idea as these are the 2 most popular distances and it made for a crowded course.
Pros:
-Basically no time limit bc of the full marathon, just gotta get passed 5.8k within an hour.
-Course was pretty with view of the falls for a bit and then course went along the Niagara river the whole time.
-Medal is beautiful! Probably the best I’ve gotten in Canada.
-It’s a nice place to visit. The Canadian side of the falls is a million times better than the US side.
-Some good breweries and lots of different kids of food (ethnicity, seafood, steaks)
Dn Shown(HF4557, DA656, MM8045) – Had a great time at Disneyworld Wine and Dine Two Course challenge. Got to do this with my son so it was extra fabulous. I don’t get to race as often with him since he went to University. Repeat for us at this race, but how can you not have fun at WDW? Well maybe except the part where you have to get up at 2:30am and be on a bus at 3:30 😎. Still good times! Wake up early, get on a bus, do a race, go to hotel and shower, go on rides all day and log almost as many miles as you raced, go to bed and repeat.
Kristin L Anderson(HF3337) – Did the Ocean Isle Beach Half Marathon in OIB, NC and got my 2025 series completion medal also.
Coastal Race Productions continues to crush it with their medals! Already signed up for the BAM Series 2026, including the 2 day challenge in Oak Island.
Runner Mike Hk(MM3337)- wow last time was a long time ago…been to Great Wall 4 times 3 times with wife and once with Hong Kong Police Volleyball team…..now it is so crowded….
legs managed some stairs but got tired of queues…..photos taken.
Sandy Gage (MM3905) – That’s a wrap for Marathon 185! Congratulations to all the amazing runners out there and sincere appreciation to the awesome volunteers!
Sandi Googs(HF9218)- It’s been 10 years since I last toed a Marathon starting line. In that time I got older (10 years 😉) and had an amazing child (almost 8 year old). Training was HARD since I did it solo while also running 10 half marathons (7 of which I paced) but I did it….I f’ing did it.
I woke up early, got to the metro and quickly got into the starting line, ran 26.62 miles while thanking every police officer and high fiving every Marine. I walked a lot the last few miles but finished with a shiny 11 minute PR compared to my last marathon.
Today would not have been possible without my dear friend Amanda at FCSO for making my special Marine bib, Racedots for giving me my MCM dots to wear today, Kris from Finish Line Engravers for engraving my medal and to my amazing friends tracking me and reaching out with encouraging words every step of the way. A huge shout out to my very best friend Linda for supporting me from registration to finish line. I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like you but I’m eternally grateful.
What’s up next??? Well back to my world of half marathons…. my happy distance!!!
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Amsterdam Marathon finish!
James Waddell(HF4476) – Mammoth Cave 25K. Great Race. TY to the Staff and volunteers who kept us safe and on course for the event. Added bonus was the KY hospitality, and home cooked country Lunch after. Would do again. Mammoth Cave 50K/25K Mammoth Cave National Park Park City, Kentucky SWEAT IT OUT Half Fanatics Tri-State Running Company
Jamie Hotrod Miller(MM14478)- Today I completed the Endless Mile 100 Miler! 🏁
I signed up for the 72-hour race at the very last minute — honestly questioning whether I had what it took to reach 100 miles. But when you want something badly enough, you reach out and grab it.
I crossed the (unofficial) finish line at 46:03:24, with very minimal sleep. Having a great friend there to share tips and tricks, along with the support and encouragement from other amazing local runners and their families, made all the difference.
It’s not about how fast you go — it’s about keeping a positive attitude, staying in the right mindset, and having the grit to keep pushing forward. Always listen to your body, and never stop believing in what you can do. 💪
Dailyn Valdez(MM15916, HF18660), Tony Valdez (HF18476)– Detroit Free Press Marathon is a fantastic race ! Stunning running over the ambassador bridge and crossing into Canada. Spectators in Windsor, CA & US were so supportive. All of the volunteers were so energized and kind. Epic runner support with hydration, gels, snacks,and good vibes🙌🏼 Nice quality metal & long sleeve tech shirt . We ran with the marathon with Marathon Mission who was absolutely amazing. Thank you to all who donated and sent supportive messages. We love you 😘❤️#teamtexas
Phil 4:13 & Hebrews 12:2
Claire Gladstone(MM12421) – Starting this post in reverse… From finished to beginning an amazing day… The crowd was exceptional this year! Saw friends from every part of my life. New York is an incredible city and this race is top notch! Number 137 in the books, 12th year with Fred team in New York… Only three more until I get legacy
Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – I completed the NYCM with bilateral achilles tendinitis and they let me know how unhappy they were with what I put them through. I limped the entire way and finished in my worst marathon time ever. What will I tell myself next time? Consider deffering. Not cool doing a marathon with a bad foot injury. Oh well…on the positive , I wasn’t last. Now I will focus on a full recovery before tackling another marathon distance. Thanks for your prayers, support, and well wishes.
Nicole DeBord(MM15101) – What an amazing trip! I had no idea how much I needed this time away with Tom. We celebrated his birthday and saw Stevie Nicks. I ran the marathon and checked off state 37. (Oh and I got crowned Ms. America 🤭)
The race itself was hard yall. There were two sections of 3-4 miles solely on the boardwalk. I saw three people trip, one hit hard. I stumbled a couple times which made me really slow my pace to watch my steps. The wind was brutal. I have lots of sunburn and wind burn regardless of me reapplying the sunblock. I have the dumbest tan lines since I wear biker shorts and calf sleeves. Just the knees are darker! Luckily swimsuit season is behind us for a bit!
Thankful for all the text wishing me luck and sending supports (especially Tom.) Also grateful God continues to bless me with experiences like this weekend and the body and mindset to chase this huge goal. 13 left!!!
Eddie Hahn(MM184) – Repurposed Las Vegas Marathon AKA Revel Mt Charleston II . Lifetime finish #332. Fourth in 4 weeks Despite the number of finishes always learning and relearning. Today’s lesson: you can’t outrun a cold/virus/sinus infection. Well, I tried. Until mile 23.
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the NYCMarathon yesterday. 55-58-56F with low winds. The usual famous point to point course with 910 ft elevation gain according to Strava. After 7 wonderful marathons in Europe, you just knew that Karma would even things out. 😢. New record for NYRR with 59000+ finishers. This is NOT a good thing for participants. This is the 3rd worst hometown marathon with a difficult obnoxious registration procedure and extreme overcrowding. As always, the first 8M were a joy. Then came the narrow streets of Lafayette and Bedford where the 3 start villages converge and spectators improve the situation by cheering in the middle of the street. I got jostled several times between 8 and 13M and I began to notice my brakes were no longer working. DId the first half at a fast 2:32:14 and then slowed down. The second half was a 33 minute positive split and I sat down 4 times and rested. I’m guessing this cost me about 20 minutes, but it was a good investment. Somehow, I managed to finish without accidentally running over any fellow runners! Finished sub 5:39 which is still a pretty good time for a 70 year old walker. Beat 14% of field, 46% of age group and 41% of men after age grade adjustment. Good to see Michael Ring several times and Julia K Garling on the course. #marathonmaniacs
Randy Riley(HF16432, MM14470, DA 218.) – The Haunted Forest Marathon Half Marathon is run mostly on the towpath trail in Canal Fulton, OH. Met up with Half Fanatic Laurie Weiner and Deb Koral at the start and the finish. Congrats ladies! It was a cool 34 F at the start. Every year it takes a few days of running in the cold to adapt to it and in a month 34 will seem like a warm day.
The course has a lot of pavement and a few miles of crushed limestone. The few roads we cross are all traffic controlled by the police. The water stations are well stocked and regular. We received a beautiful longsleeve tech shirt and nice 3D finisher medal. I wish I could find a race with that nice of a Christmas shirt. The race also includes a Full Marathon and a 5k and they all sell out weeks ahead. This is a Run to You Racing race so as always everything is done right! Thank you Jim Chaney and crew!
1st place AG. That’s the second medal in the picture. 254th lifetime HM. Half Fanatics 100 Half Marathons Club. HF 16432, MM 14470, DA 3218.
Patti Randall Krebsbach(HF629, DA99, MM2584) – There is nothing like the first weekend in November in NYC! My favorite 5K and marathon with runners from all over the world. Marathon 165 and my 6th NYCM.
Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – I had a great time pacing the 5:10 group at the Marine Corps Marathon!!! Besides helping a few runners PR, it was fun seeing so many friends – great job everyone!!! #marinecorpsmarathon #elevatedrunningandpacing #elevatedrunningandpacingpacers #marathonmaniacs
Lynne Kilirnr(MM12242, DA2065, HF13464) – Dublin marathon is in the books! Toughest one so far because of the cold, wind and rain. Plus a bit hilly for me! 😃
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Cold, wet, and windy in Dublin Ireland. Managed to make it to the finish line for marathon country #23! Next up Athens Greece in 2 weeks.
Lorinda Hagstrom(MM3865, DA1981, HF13328) – Thankful for another amazing run weekend with friends! Marathon #138 completed yesterday with 59k+ others! High energy as always, and good weather was a bonus. Food, sights, and a show wrapped it up tonight! Love the visit but always happy to be heading home, out of the “rat” race (we didn’t see any this trip).
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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