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.
Congratulations to Lisa Rice Seidel (HF6155, DA699, MM9014) for achieving Sun Status for the 12th time at the Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series (April 14, 2026)!
To earn Sun Status with the Half Fanatics, runners must complete:
- 52 Half Marathons within 365 days, or
- 30 Half Marathons in 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces (any combination) within 365 days.
Click here to learn more about the criteria at Half Fanatics.
https://www.halffanatics.com/fanatic-criteria
Amazing work, Lisa!
Lisa will be finishing her 700th half marathon soon with 210 of those in Washington! (Source: Half Fanatics).
Congratulations to Jennifer Durenberger (HF18959, DA3842, MM16308) for achieving Sun Status for the 2nd time at the Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series (April 13, 2026)!
To earn Sun Status with the Half Fanatics, runners must complete:
- 52 Half Marathons within 365 days, or
- 30 Half Marathons in 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces (any combination) within 365 days.
Click here to learn more about the criteria at Half Fanatics.
https://www.halffanatics.com/fanatic-criteria
Congratulations, Jennifer!
Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) To My Valued Supporters,
I am delighted to share that I have successfully finished the DUSK TO DAWN ULTRA 50K on April 5 , 2026 at Padubidri Beach, located in a picturesque coastal village in Karnataka state( between Udupi and Mangaluru) , India.
The beach, certified by the Blue Flag for its impeccable cleanliness, safety, and environmental sustainability, provided a perfect setting for this distinguished ultra marathon event.
The ultra-marathon was well-organized with Timing Chip and featuring a 25K coastal stretch that participants had to cover twice to complete the 50K.
Despite the challenges posed by dark areas and streetlights being night marathon, I completed the run safely, aided by the excellent route markings and well aided support .
I happened to have 3 times cool CURD RICE which eliminated humid effect which I find necessary to mention herewith.
The high humidity was mitigated by the invigorating sea dips I took before and after the race, which helped dispel my exhaustion.
This accomplishment marks a significant milestone of 1007 full and ultra-marathons, and I look forward to adding more to this count now .
I appreciate the tireless efforts of the volunteers and organizers in elevating this ultra-marathon to an international standard, making it an enjoyable experience and will be back again for this ultra marathon in 2027.
Happy Running
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 quick group shot ahead of the Hogeye Marathon/Half Marathon in Springdale, Arkansas. on April 11, 2026.
Eileen Duchane.(MM15593, DA3635, HF18413) – Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Great race! It was a perfect day to run.
Paul F Dunwell IV(MM16302, DA3840, HF18962) -Proud dad post.
My 14-year-old son officially became a Half Fanatic (HF18968) at Run Sunset Beach Half Marathon 2026, and I could not be prouder.
He battled through a tough patch, refused to quit, and still came away with a huge PR of 2:15:56.4. Then yesterday, we got the notification that made it official: his finish earned him Half Fanatic Neptune status.
For anyone wondering, we take his training seriously and approach it with a lot of care. He is training for his second marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and everything we do is built around smart progression, close attention, and medical guidance. This is something he truly loves, and as his parent, my job is to support that love while also doing everything I can to keep him safe, healthy, and progressing responsibly. My role is simply to support him, guide him, and help make sure he is doing this the right way.
What made this weekend so special was not just the time or the title. It was watching him hit a hard moment, fight through it, and keep going. That kind of grit and heart means more than any finish clock ever could.
Welcome to the Half Fanatics family, son.
Keep setting goals. Build your identity on your character, not on who other people think you should be. I’ll always be by your side.
Love,
your Double Agent Dad
Sadie Smith(MM12709) – Today was a solidly good day at the marathon office. I am ecstatic to cross Rhode Island off the sub-3 list for state #42. This was one of the states I’ve been the most worried about (due to the limited number of races, the fact that all of them are hilly, and because I “missed” here twice.) It was a pretty darn good day for a race despite the windy sections and the 900ish feet of elevation gain. Newport is a lovely area, and a ton of fast runners turned out. (The top two women both broke the old course record!) I will happily take my 3rd place, 2:55 finish. And an unexpected highlight of the day was running into Eliot Ephraim, who nabbed a sub-4 this morning. Very best of luck to all of my friends who are running Boston on Monday 🦄
Karen Hohertz-Jacobs(MM15430, DA3716, HF18668) – Heading home after an epic road trip through seven states for seven races in seven days! Finished the Mainly Marathons Riverboat series and Melissa ran her 50th state on Friday!!!
Bryon Solberg(HF18903, DA3819, HF12390) – MedalMonday
I got to do 7 Half Marathons over 7 days in 7 States with the Mainly Marathons Family at the Riverboat Series.
I finished my 50 States of marathons in June of 2024, and I am now at 39 States of half marathons.
I also reached my 100th Mainly Marathons event.
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the Danzig Maraton yesterday. Dreary 46-51F windchills. Went with one long sleeve layer on top. Course was a loop with 3 embedded out/backs. Mostly asphalt with 3K paving stones in the old town and 3K hard pack in Ronald Reagan Park. Mostly flat with 2 hills and 1 overpass. 267 ft elevation gain as per Strava. 5:30 limit with cops and bus of shame following slow runners at 8 min/K pace. 1996 finishers with 17 violators and a 5:53 DFL. A great alternative to that lousy downhill marathon that sucks up all the energy each April.
Went out fast and slowed down immediately. Slowed down a lot in the historic downtown at 11-14K because of the paving stones. After that, I was passed by a “bent knee walker” who was delighted to see another walker. We sped up and banged together for a few K until we got to the first hill. Lost him easily after that. First half at a worrisome 2:41. I began to worry about the time limit and really focused in the 2nd half. Hit the hard pack as hard as I could 34-38K. Really sped up in the last 2K and beat the time limit by 41 seconds. My walking friend finished 5:36+. #marathonmaniacs
Tony Phillippi(MM3,DA3,HF3) – I did it! My goal of 25 Consecutive Boston Marathons is complete. 3:23:12. Time to celebrate 🎉 #quartercenturyclub #bostonmarathon
Gregory Rouson(HF8068, MM12723, DA2354) –Lifetime half marathon #261, Delaware Running Festival Half Marathon #4, and first race in the 2026 BFD Challenge series…DONE!!! I’ve missed this distance. I didn’t have many expectations going into this race other than to finish my first half in over six weeks. I’m glad the weather was cool, wet, and windy but this course is tough no matter the conditions. #YaBoi got it done, though. 😎 ☁️ 🌬️ #HF8068 #MM12723 #DA2354 #100halfmarathonsclub #Roustance #RoadTo300
Eddie Hahn(MM184) – I try to qualify and run Boston once every 31 years (after the first 3 anyway). My 4th Boston MA marathon. Lifetime #341.
Karen A Flynn(MM4024, DA158, HF1043) – MedalMonday #MotivationMonday from my 13th consecutive @bostonmarathon, 25th BQ & my 90th lifetime marathon! Perfect weather made for perfect running conditions! Life is good! 💙💛
Charlotte Corriher(MM3514) – YAY ITS MARATHON DAY !!!
Disney Springtime Surprise 10 Miler capped off the race series.
What a wonderful weekend with my Disney Day Drinkers Running Team.
I was extremely excited that my co-admin Christine Hetzel decided to be my costume partner in crime.
We are so proud of all of our runners, and can’t wait to do it again !
Karin Evans(MM7466) – Marathon #115
Boston #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This afternoon, 5 hours and 28 minutes after I started the Boston Marathon, I “Caught the Unicorn” and “Met my Moment” in Boston, while earning my 5th star with Abbott Majors.
All the work I put forth in the last five months paid off. I’m physical proof that if you want something badly enough, and are willing to put forth the effort, dreams really CAN come true!
I’m very proud to represent Team Cushing.
I feel very flattered to know how many people tracked me today. Thank you for your support.
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – Boston Marathon— GREAT SUCCESS!
This was my 12th Boston Marathon, and finally we had good running weather. Not just “least bad” but actually really good. It was beautiful seeing the tree flowers in bloom — Japanese maple and magnolias and weeping willows. The crowds were outstanding as always. I saw many friends along the course and on the run. And: my daughter Ellie jumped in and ran some miles with me, which was a real pleasure!
This was my 11th season on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, and with your help I raised over $18,000 for basic cancer science research at Dana Farber. My 11-season total is over $155,000.
Oh, and I ran my fastest ever Boston time, and my fastest marathon in 7 years — definitely thanks to the great weather! This was my 12th Boston Marathon, my 15th marathon in Massachusetts, my 4th marathon of 2026, and my 106th marathon overall. Next up: London!
Karen Gordon(MM12170, DA2028. HF13486) – Feeling so super lucky to be able to get a photo with Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray as I crossed the finish line of my 10th consecutive and 12th Boston Marathon. This year had special meaning for Dave McGillivray too as his 54th Boston Marathon while sharing the course with three of his children. I also got to get hugs and a warm finish line blanket from my favorite volunteer Caitlin McMahon to celebrate 12 Boston Marathons for both of us and our annual finish line meet up every year. Cathy cheered me on at mile 9 in Natick and my Aunt Lorraine Gaysunas and Uncle Cliff and cousins Sharon Norton and Lori Coppinger came out with signs and cheers at mile 13 in Wellesley. As always Boston spectators are the best!! The weather was perfect for running. 🏃🏻♀️🐇💙💛🦄 ☀️
Karen Johnson Derrick(MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – I finished the Jersey City marathon yesterday and had fun tracking the progress of my running friends at Boston today. I’ve included a few pictures with descriptions attached.
Jenn Miller(MM16038, DA3768, HF18401) – Boston Marathon 2026
The marathon went as I had anticipated. My foot gave me a great 16 miles. The next 10 were a struggle. My foot did not enjoy the uphills, but handled downhills like a champ. Cramping in the calves soon followed due to compensating for my injury. I went in knowing I probably wouldn’t have the day I’d love to have and that this is most likely my last Boston. So gratitude was the theme for this Boston! Walking to the start line I could hear “Counting my Blessings” on my headphones and it washed over me how grateful I was to just have this opportunity! The crowd was fantastic! It was a beautiful day! Last year felt easy and this year was a lot of work both physically and mentally. I am happy to have ran a sub 4 despite visiting a few med tents for biofreeze! Shout out to the awesome med tent volunteers! Boston, you are one of a kind and I’m so happy that I have experienced your magic twice!💙💛
Andrew Wetterer(MM11505, DA3286, HF17342) – Been lucky enough to travel the world with Sara Wetterer, running all these majors. Here are pics of 5 of the 6 medals! Berlin, Boston, Tokyo, London, New York. Sadly I’ve either misplaced or I donated by Chicago medal and I don’t have any pics from them either.
Jared Ewing(MM16013) – Boston Tough Ruck 2026. First part of my Double Unicorn challenge. That two for one special two marathons in one weekend now ain’t that special!
I received a phone call one morning from @kiki_runsthemiles and when I saw it was her I was thinking she was just wanting to catch up, probably hear about whatever crazy running weekend or weekends I just had. Little did I know there was a bigger plot at hand. It’s no surprise though, when a running friend calls, it’s a solid chance it’s an invite for another adventure 🤷♂️🤣. It was an invitation to join team Operation Bacon & Body Glide at the @toughruck the day before the @bostonmarathon. It didn’t take much convincing, I was already going to party pace the Boston marathon after making podium last year. It was time for some fun. Soon as I heard @jsnay80 was leading the charge and I had an opportunity to meet more awesome people and to raise money for a cause dear to my heart being a veteran, it was a no brainer.
I had heard of the “double unicorn” challenge before, but never thought twice that I might do it one year. Boston marathon takes a lot from you being a high energy weekend and running the marathon seems enough. However, getting a chance to do something “hard” is something I hardly shy away from. Being that I’m training for a summer with four 100 mile races, I figured this would be some great training for me! Decent amount of time on feet with lots of moving parts.
The Tough Ruck was a very fun time for me. I love the course being one big out and back but with a couple other out and backs allowing you to see your friends and other fellow ruckers multiple times! The weather was great, not perfect but it was ideal temps and it rained just a little bit.
The day went pretty well, took 2nd overall. Most importantly our team took 2nd in fund raising! I was so proud of everyone on the team. Rucking is not easy and a marathon distance is never easy. We couldn’t have done it without our crewing and cheer section. I hope this gets relayed to them, they made the day for me. Keeping my spirits high and the kids asking me questions and being in awe of their parent’s fast friend. God continues to bless me!
Lynne Kilirnr(MM12242, DA2065, HF13464) – Boston marathon is in the books, Monday, April 20, 2026, my 5th.
Everything has to align perfectly in order for me to pull this off! 🙏🙏🙏
A month after the challenging Antarctica marathon last march with Marathon Tours & Travel second voyage, i toed the line unprepared and undertrained. Antarctica marathon was my only long run for the Boston marathon.
I got injured 2 days before the Abu Dhabi marathon in December. My right knee got swollen and ortho doc aspirated all blood. He said no running at all.
When i got back home, i asked my doctor if i can do Antarctica 🇦🇶 marathon. He said no running for a month. I just walked and did elliptical. So i was quite undertrained for it. There was also a very strict cutoff time for the first half of the marathon which is 3:15. For some miracle, i made it with 2 minutes to spare. I was so relieved, but i still have the second half to finish with 7 hours time limit to be considered an official finisher. I did it again in absolute miraculous fashion of 6:56:40!
After the race and i got back on Friday afternoon, i signed up that day last minute for a hilly and trail race for a half marathon. Big mistake! It had lots of stairs, rocks and sand. A disastrous combination for my bad knees! Again, my knees got swollen. I don’t know what i was thinking signing up for the hilly half marathon. Although i finished it, i was in very bad condition. So i didn’t do any running again. Just walking, elliptical and my band exercises.
I’m so worried that i might not finish Boston that i didn’t buy the jacket nor the finisher shirt!
I did ok the first half. But after that, i started hurting really bad. My knees started hurting and also my lower back.
Then I saw a friend of mine and tried to catch up with her. We ended up doing run/walk from pole to pole. I probably slowed her down. But I appreciated all the help and support she gave me during the race.
Anyway, i finished Boston marathon before the 5:30 pm cutoff time. I’m an official finisher.
So thankful and relieved and emotional for finishing it.
Next up: Cape Town marathon in one month.
Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136) – Marathon 39 state 38, Kentucky derby marathon.. Guess this one was for you dad, since we ran thru Churchill Downs… i don’t have fond memories of race tracks in Chicago growing up.. but very cool to see! We did the 5 k last night in the pouring rain! At least no rain for the marathon today but it was definitely hot and humid the last few miles.. wanted a sub 5 but missed it😡5:01:53… i died after mile 9, had a decent pace until then! Stupid bathroom stops messed me and my time up
Kerri Haskins(MM1336, DA836, HF8724) – 270 Great Woods Marathon. 5:34!!! So happy. Haven’t seen that time in a bunch of years. 2 mile loops were not that bad and helped for pacing. Thank you Roy Van Buren so much for crewing me 🙂 3 marathons in 3 weeks complete 🙂
Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – Such a nice day for a marathon in Kenosha!! Thanks for the sign, @jezz6995!! Marathon 331 is done. The plan is for 332 next week and then 333 at the Colfax Marathon on 5/17!! #iykyk #wisconsinmarathon #marathonmaniacs
Lawrence Allie(MM16034) – Madrid Marathon done! 🇪🇸 Temps hit the 90s 🥵
I was so wiped, I forgot the finish line selfie.
So here’s the post-race version… with marathon porta-potties still in view from my hotel window 😂
Patti Randall Krebsbach(HF629, DA99, MM2584) – Fun, but quick race trip with Gina. We ran the Derby 5K last night. As the announcer said “3 – 2 – 1 GO!, the clouds woke up and let the rain fall. Today was the half for me and marathon for her and thankfully, no rain!
Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – Completed half #134 at the Kentucky Derby Marathon and mini-marathon running festival. This year they included a 5k the night before the big races. I also did the 5k and it rained on us. I was drenched by the time I got to my hotel room. I ran the half today and it was a bit humid, no rain, but when the sun came out …phew! We got to run through Churchill Downs where the big horse race will be held next weekend. There is a lot going on here with a big carnival over by the waterfront. I will go this evening to see everything lit up. Sorry I will miss the parade tomorrow. Nice to see a lot of my running buds today!!
Robert Manon(HF3646, DA431, MM6700) – I completed my 717th Lifetime Half Marathon this morning at the Into the Wild Limestone Half Marathon. It was a cool day with light sprinkles. I always forget how much I enjoy trail running, but then I am always reminded of why I stopped running them, my vision just isn’t what it use to be. I have so much fear running downhill now, I just can’t trust not seeing a rock or a root at a fast pace. Lucky for me, this trail wasn’t technical. I ran a nice comfortable steady pace. It was a fun day and best of all, the tacos at the finish line.
This is a race more people need to be aware of. I hope to return again.
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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