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.
2026 National Meet-Up at the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
Join your fellow Half Fanatics for our 2026 National Meet-Up at the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus, Ohio!
We’re planning a full weekend of fun, including:
Pre-Race Dinner – connect with other Fanatics and get race-ready together
Post-Race Party – celebrate your finish with the Fanatics community
Hotel Discounts – special room blocks coming soon
Race Discounts – register now using code from the race calendar to take 10% off!
Sign up today through the Half Fanatics Race Calendar to secure the best pricing and guarantee your spot at this can’t-miss event.
The Cap City Half Marathon course is open and fully supported for 3 hours and 45 minutes, featuring eight Coca-Cola Refueling Stations and a GU Gel station at the 6.5-mile mark — everything you need for a great race day!
Stay tuned for more details on dinner reservations, hotel links, and meet-up plans.
We can’t wait to see you in Columbus, April 25, 2026! Website HERE
Meet Club Member: Troy Hoffland
Hello all!
I am Troy Hoffland.(MM16231) I actually used to hate to run…now I’m hooked on it! On April 9, 2024 I began my running journey. I had an AMAZING friend of mine inspire & encourage me greatly to start this wonderful journey! I was 194 pounds then, now I’m 160lbs. I began that afternoon with a 1.6 mile “run” which was way more walk than run. I followed it up by running 34 consecutive days. On May 4th, I had a conversation with Sarah & asked if she thought I could run the Boston Marathon. Without hesitation, she said absolutely and this fueled my desire to run Boston! You see, I love history and have always been a competitive individual. I knew a little bit about Boston and knew it was the oldest, the “Grandaddy” of all marathons, so I’ve always had a desire, a lifelong dream to run it one day. I didn’t know if I’d ever run another or even want to, but I had a desire burning within me to run 1 marathon and wanted it to be Boston. Sarah helped me find a training plan to follow and I began my journey! I started reading books on running, books on the history of the Boston Marathon, talking with others about running and learning all I could as I made it a 6 day a week habit, at the age of 57 (I’ll be 59 in January). I joined a Facebook group called Boston Buddies and met many more incredible people that were so helpful, encouraging and supportive! Now I didn’t just have one friend I was learning from, I had a lot of them to learn from. I was running too much for my ‘old’ body and on September 1st I injured my right knee…I still wear a knee sleeve on it when I run. I ran 194 miles in August and ended up with patellar tendinopathy. I had to do something different because I didn’t want to stop running, but I didn’t want to injure myself either. Long story short, I joined FBF and hired Coach Lindsey Parry who founded Faster Beyond Fifty. Through his guidance and planning, I switched to running 4 days a week with 2-3 days of strength training and a Friday rest day!
In October, I applied to be a charity runner to 3 children’s and 3 military charities. My 2nd interview I was chosen to run for Fisher House of Boston!!! I couldn’t believe that I was going to get to run BOSTON!!! I raised over $15,400 for Fisher House. I immediately, for some reason, signed up to run Big Sur and do the Boston to Big Sur Challenge (TWO in 6 days)! I knew after April 21 and 27th I would either LOVE marathons or NEVER run another 😊
As part of my training for Boston and learning to ‘race’ I ran the Monterey Bay Half in November and the Mesa Half in February! Monterey was my first race in over 12 years, when I last ran 13.1. I PR’d at Monterey with a 2:08 at age 57 vs a 2:25 at age 45! I ran Mesa in 2:16. Another part of my training was a 5-day trip to Boston in March over my spring break (I’ve taught for 37 years) where I ran different parts of the course over 4 days. The final day, I ran the last 13.1! I loved this trip because I got to experience all of the history of the course, the statues, the start and finish lines and meet a few very kind “Bostonians” along the route who have become good friends! It was a great experience and helped make my raceday experience even better!
In 2025 at age 58, I ran Boston (an AMAZING experience) in 5:28, six days later, I ran Big Sur in the rain, while sick from my plane flight back from Boston, in 5:21!!! I set my 3rd PR at the 50th MCM in October at 5:09! I had 5 hours beat until mile 18 when my hamstrings began to tighten. I recently (Dec 13th) ran/walked the Inaugural Phoenix Marathon with a good friend in 6:40. God willing, I WILL run BOSTON at least two more times!!
I am currently training to run LONDON 2026 and I’ll not only Smile Every Mile but also beat the 5 hour mark! I am a marathoner!!! I LOVE this!!! Thank you Sarah, Natalie, Vince, Jennifer, Mark & all of my running Buddies!
Gysel Parajon(MM8995, HF18751) The same crazy energy I experienced a few weeks ago at the Redding Marathon reappeared this past Saturday at the Mississippi River Marathon, #97 and State #36, with having essentially napped a few hours after arriving at my destination. I tried to pace myself, but in my excitement with meeting Maniacs like myself, running in a new state, and it being a nice cool, windy day I ran faster than I intended for the first 10/11 miles. After that I started experiencing GI issues, which slowed me down some but I still felt strong and kept going at the same pace which was between 10:55 – 11:15 minutes/mile. I used the run/walk method doing a minute of walking at the beginning of each mile and running the rest. This lasted until reaching the bridge over the Mississippi where the course went from being flat to a very nice climb and then descent. It spanned 2 miles over the river, which was grand and my favorite part.
By mile 18 my lower body had cramped up to the point where I needed painkillers, but there was none to be had at any of the aid stations, of which there were many. That was nice and much appreciated but unfortunately the Gatorade and water being served didn’t help. I had forgotten my salt tabs and didn’t take enough nutrition for the race, an error that followed me through for a couple days after the race… I did however eat donuts at every AS that had them. Still my body hurt and I had to slow down and take more walk breaks.
Later I remembered I had some LMNT in my pack and quickly mixed it with the H2O in one of my flasks. It took some time but it eventually took effect and made me feel better. I continued on making a couple more stops due to my GI issues, but I pushed my body and ended up meeting my original goal time of 6 hours! A runner whom I kept leaping-frogging with told me at the finish that my walking portions were hard to keep up with, which made me smile. I train for speed-walking too. 
Thank you to the volunteers, the RD for putting on a well coordinated race, my fellow runners, my family, especially my son, his papa, and my friends for their support. Special thanks to @kll87 for accompanying me on the phone as I drove to my destination.
Photo and Post Credit Jennifer and David Clark
Jennifer Clark (HF16743, DA3643, MM15623)Medal Monday! Medal Monday!
Mississippi River Marathon (MRM) is a race in Greenville Mississippi that we try to do annually. It’s a small good local race that crosses the Mississippi River bridge. The full marathon starts in Lake Village, Arkansas and makes his way into Greenville. The half marathon starts just on the other side of the bridge in Arkansas and finishes also,in Greenville
This year the finish was at the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, which was the old junior high school. Prior to this change, the finish was always in downtown Greenville near the river. The MRM folks had to change up the course um because of a major highway completion that changed the configuration and mileage of the course.
Actually, in my opinion, I liked the new Finish Line location because you got to go inside a large hall that had one of the oldest Merry-Go-Rounds that originally was steam powered. You could even ride on it! I’ve included pictures. Because there were so much more room it felt like we could socialize with a lot of the other runners. After Party food was Pizza, Shipley Donuts and the famous Delta Tamales from Doe’s!
Surprisingly, we saw a good number of friends from the various national and local clubs.
This was Half #383 for me! And again, we will be back for more next year.
Sina Sco (HF15870) – Super Bowl weekend will always be exciting for me whether my team makes it or not, since SB Weekend 2017 is when I became a Half Fanatic! I ran Rock & Roll New Orleans (super fun, but now discontinued race) and I ran Miami the weekend before to qualify to apply for Neptune status! (I’m now at Mars)
Second important milestone: later that same year I had my LAST #dayone of my weightloss journey since my relocation to Texas had packed on some pounds. Took it seriously from that moment forward and I’ve been rockin’ and rollin’ ever since. See what I did there?
So yeah, happy Half Fanatics anniversary to me!
(Current pic from Hot Chocolate 10K yesterday. Hope that’s ok… if not, I’m running Mesa Half Saturday just cut me some slack, I’m new to this group lol)
Angie Popovich Smith(HF10219)- Half #65 – Naples distance classic. Lucky to squeeze it in on a work trip.
Perfect running weather. Started early and got to see a beautiful sunrise. Didn’t finish on the beach, but stopped by after- felt great on my feet and calves!
Jorgina Sanders(HF16456) – Half #166
San Marcos Half Marathon
Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – Today I finished half #207 Publix Florida Half in Melbourne. Weather was beautiful today and I was lucky to run here and not New England. I’ve done this race a few times. It’s a nice mid sized mostly flat race that is pretty convenient to run especially as there is race day packet pick up for no additional fee. This year unfortunately there was some construction so instead of the usual loop course which is really nice, it had to be an out and back. The out and back still had some nice waterfront views but my favorite views were missing as I like the second half of the loop best. It is very flat except a bridge we did twice (normally there are 2 bridges). Normally it is extremely back of the pack friendly with a really long time limit as there usually is a double loop marathon but this year they had to cancel the marathon and have a 3.5 hour time limit. There is also a fun, big fruit themed medal. This year was dragonfruit!
Julie Smith Maxwell(HF78056) – Race recommendation:
Tybee Island Run Fest
I dont typically write or share race reviews. From my experience, the same race during the same year in the same conditions can generate 30,000 different experiences. One person may say it was amazing and yet a different runner two feet away can share a completely opposite review. So, I simply just have MY experience and let others have theirs. So, note, IF I AM sharing, then it truly was AN EXPERIENCE for me.
This race has been on my bucket list for quite some time. 2026 was the year I finally scratched it off. I CAN NOT RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH. Its a full weekend of running options.
- Tybee is dead in the winter so this race brings much needed funds to this small town. There are literally NO CHAIN restaurants on the island. 100% all small locally owned businesses. (I learned that from a local)
- There is a race option for EVERY pace, ability, distance, etc. Friday night is a 5k in the dark. So folks can dress up in light up gear OR just wear a head lamp. (There is also a FREE kids run on Friday. So its family friendly.) Saturday starts with a 10k, then a Half marathon, then a 2.8 mile beach run, and ends with a 1 mile. DOGS are welcome on all courses except the beach run (because dogs arent allowed on the beach). How cool is that!! Participants can register for any or ALL. If you sign up for the challenge and do all 5 races, you get a bonus medal and will have accomplished 26.2 miles total!
- Each race has the same start and finish and they are simply on different sides of a parking lot (well, and a row of businesses, but you get to one from the other through the parking lot). So you have zero concerns of getting from one race finish to the next race start like other challenge race events (like Flying Pig). The logistics are FLAWLESS. Each course is completely different even though the start and finish are the same. And I am NOT PICKING on the Flying Pig. Thiis year will be my 12th year at the Pig. I LOVE Flying Pig, but the Pig cant say that about their courses. They recycle the same course all weekend. MOST races do for a plethora of financial and logistical reasons. But at Tybee, all 5 courses are completely unique! And the scenery is gorgeous: light houses, ocean views, cute bungalows and massive beach homes alike. On one course you may run along a marsh watching shrimp boats and the next race is through adorable beach home neighborhoods. It was so cool to see so much of this beach town over 5 completely different race courses! There were so many water stops I had to skip a few because my belly started sloshing 🤣 Ample porta potties, awesome volunteers, photographers galore, and quality medals!! And since it’s the dead season, you can stay in a very nice ocean front hotel at the start line for $99 a night (Tybee Hotel). I CAN NOT WAIT to see the race photographers’ images. They were always camped out at the perfect spots!! But here are a few of mine!
5 stars!! I will definitely be back!!
Amy Ahrens(HF18946) – RunSedona Half today….where if the hills don’t take your breath away, the scenery will!
Good grief…they weren’t kidding…those hills!! But the course was stunning, and the weather was perfect. A really great day in beautiful Arizona!
Stefanie Holliday(HF17442, DA3313, MM14386) – This past weekend’s Arches Ultra in Moab was an absolute perfect running weather weekend. Made the drive over from my home in Breckenridge, CO and enjoyed the much-lower elevation (4,400’ compared to my 10,600’) running. Running the slick-rock for many of the miles was tough on the joints, but I wouldn’t trade it!
My first of three in Moab in the next two months to gain the “Triple-Crown of Moab”! All this is training for Leadville this summer closer to my home!
Trail-running is my favorite by far! 🏜️🏜️
Nanette Fabruada Pittenger(HF3641, DA3510, MM15209) – The Disneyland Half Marathon was my very first half and started my passion for running. Yesterday, I completed my 100th lifetime half marathon at the Disneyland Half Marathon Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, so it’s come full circle. But it was a bittersweet day since the Disneyland races will be going on hiatus again for an undisclosed time. The last time they went on hiatus, it was 6 1/2 years. I’m so grateful for my family and friends who have encouraged and supported me as I reached this milestone!
Pat Zedaker(HF4805) – Disney half: the Dumbo Double Dare.
Randy Riley(HF16432, DA3218, MM14470) – New Personal Record! I wouldn’t expect a new record after 4+ decades of racing but today was the coldest half marathon I’ve run. I’ve done a 5k in -10F but today’s 6F is my coldest Half.
This is the 9th time I’ve run Warm-Up Columbus and they have always had really nice medals until today. We got an embroidered patch glued to a thin piece of wood. Also they switched from longsleeve shirts to short sleeve. Nice logo but guess I’ll have to wait a couple of months to wear it. Nice to see Half Fanatics Laurie Weiner who also braved the cold.
Laurie Weiner(HF9266, DA3668, MM15681) – Warm Up Columbus half marathon was hard and freezing. -6 degree feel like temp at the start. This is a PR for the coldest race I have ever run. Now to thaw out. Great job Randy Riley. #medalmonday
Carla Simon(HF13789, DA3133, MM14304)- First race of 2026 in the books! It was my first time getting my butt out the door and running outdoors in 2026 anyway. I had to go down to Chicago to make it happen. I ran the F3 Lake Half Marathon in Chicago today since it was the closest I could get to a long run. They did a good job of keeping the path and running areas clear of snow, so I could go my normal pace. I was worried about what the conditions would be like, but it went okay. I ran through a couple of snow squalls, but nothing terrible. I finished in about 2 hours and 32 minutes.
Judy Laufman(HF17502)- Medal Monday! The Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon (repeat state for me, LTHM #73) is a single loop of the park’s scenic byway, just outside Las Vegas. Beautiful vistas, challenging elevation changes, very well-organized. Filled with profound gratitude. #halffanatics #ahalfinallfiftystates #BloodCancerUnited #teamintraining #EveryMileIsAGift #fuckcancer
Robert Manon(HF3646, DA431, MM6700)- Mainly Marathons Aloha Series.
687th to 690th Lifetime Half Marathons.
Linda Hale(HF12980) – State #50
Hawaii-Mainly marathon Aloha series
Pam Whittington Begnaud(HF18297) – Mainly Marathons Aloha Series. We did the Maui Oceanfront Marathon on Sunday and flew to Kauai to run Aloha Series. If you haven’t done a Mainly Marathons Series Do It. It allows you to run all 50 States, Maximize your budget and become family with runners from all over the Country ❤️
Natalie Uyeno(HF17314, DA3505, MM15186) – Lifetime half marathon #392 (@mesamarathon half) is in the books with a 19-minute COURSE PR! 🎉🎉🎉
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This was my 2nd year running this race. My goal was to finish around 3:30 and I exceeded that with a finish time of 3:24:25 (19 minutes faster than last year’s time)! 😊
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I ran the race with Ginny Lee & Mary Beth Fournier. We did intervals and we kept a pretty consistent pace the whole way. I was thankful to have such great company! ❤️😊
Heather Zeigler(HF1343, MM3086) – Marathon #328 done at the Love Chocolate marathon in Savannah, GA! I won my age group and was in the top 10 women….small races are awesome!!! lol 😂 #marathonmaniacs #50statemarathonclub #marathons
Rachel Ross(HF6506) – ABWR Happy Valentines Day Half. Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Charlotte Corriher(MM3514) – YAY ITS MARATHON DAY !!!
Yesterday I ran the Myrtle Beach 24 hour race. It got postponed from two weeks ago so I was only able to stay through Saturday.
A great inaugural race and look forward to running it next year
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – First marathon in 11 weeks! It was a good day pacing the St Petersburg distance classic marathon. We had a strong group of 4:35 runners including several first timers who left us at mile 24 and finished strong! This was perfect running weather, 50-60 degrees and dry, exactly what I needed in the middle of a tough Massachusetts winter. This was my first marathon of 2026, 2nd marathon in Florida, first time pacing a marathon in Florida, and my 103rd marathon overall.
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Completed the Mississippi River Marathon which makes this the 10th marathon in the state of Mississippi and overall #511. Really nice medal!
Lost Dutchman Marathon next week… Yay, no traveling
Runner Mike Hk(MM3337)- 331overall marathons and 49th thai marathon completed , Amazing Chiang Rai Marathon . 50th thai marathon will be in Laguna Phuket Marathon .
Congratulations to Olivia Medina(MM7842) on her 50 State Finish.
Congratulations to Cade Remsburg (MM4393) who finished the 50 States 6 times with only 3 NOT sub 4 !!
Cade completed his 6th round at the Louisiana Marathon in January
Maricris Lu(MM12483, DA2188, HF10592) – Marathon number 78 if my numbers are right! I am so sick after the race. I volunteered at the OC Marathon booth where I am an ambassador . I was having allergy /couging reflex and guess what, I got full blown sick after the race! My body need to rest, 3 consecutive weekends of racing is not healthy for me. Lack of sleep, lack of rest and the travels. I am trying to rest now, never been so sick. Grateful for another finish.
Sandi Googs(HF9218) – Lifetime Half Marathon #179 is in the books at the Warm Up Columbus. An injury that plagued me at the beginning of 2025 decided to torture me again in 2026. However, I still finished. I’m so beyond thankful for my amazing JFR team for the love at the finish line
Deo Jerome(MM22) – Finished the Dubai 🇦🇪 Marathon. My 616th marathon/ultra and marathoncountry#66
Sandy Gage(MM3905) – Third Marathon in less than 30 days, like my crazy days when I was younger! Pursuing goals right! Number 188 today at Surf City Marathon chasing 200 by November in Athens Greece! Smile and embrace life
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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