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.
Tonisia Billups(HF10011, MM12110, DA1998) –Eau Claire Half Marathon, May 3, 2026
Wisconsin 
𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Easy direct flight into MSP
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹/𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Springhill Suites (Next door to the Event Center- 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼- which provided shuttles to/from race)
𝗣𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼: University of Wisconsin’s Sonnetag Event Center
It was pretty cool. Big race feel with local charm. There was line dancing 
That was a nice local touch!
They also had the back drop with all of the 1st timer Half and Full Marathoners names listed like you typically see at world majors. I think that was another great touch. There was good race merchandise and a couple of vendors selling race essentials if needed (ie. Fuel-GU/Honey Stingers, arm sleeves, fuel belts, gloves).
Another nice touch was they had a session with a course review! Never seen that at a race and this was apparently their first year doing it. It drew a lot of attention and came in handy while I was approaching the inclines around mile 4 as described
Oh and they had nice race day giveaways like alll the cowbells, race stickers/tatoos, cooling towels, etc.
Ok last thing… they had several vendors giving away freebies, including raffles. One that stuck out was the Eau Claire Body Care Hydration! They had everything from B12 injections and IV hydration ranging from $39-$249 for onsite treatments. A few people were getting the IV at the time.
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲: 8:30 AM start (7:00AM Full)
This race gets an A+ … I chose this race based on Race Raves review last year and it looks like it’s rated either top or runner up for Wisconsin again this year. I can’t remember which one. 
The course itself was really nice running along the river and crossing pedestrian suspension bridges across the river. As for elevation change, this race definitely had its fair share of rolls but they weren’t too bad!
Finishline fuel included bananas, fruit snacks, chips, water, etc. nothing fancy
Nice photo opts too with the backdrops!
The finishers “village” had beer 
, but I don’t recall free food. They did have a live band and food trucks though with lots of seating so I guess there’s that.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞:
One of the trip advisor/yelp suggestions was viewing Eau Claire from the High Bridge and a few other look outs, so went back out to the Phoenix Park at night. The lit bridges were beautifully lit in Eau Claire’s downtown area.
State #35
Congratulations to Jennifer Durenberger (MM16308, DA3842, HF18959) She completed her 50-state journey at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Elkton, Maryland on June 4, 2026.
Congratulations to Liz Gmerek (MM6413, DA383, HF382) on completing her 9th full round of all 50 states at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Elkton, Maryland on June 4, 2026.
Congratulations to Debby Cannon (MM15148) for achieving Titanium status (30 full marathons in 30 different states within one year) at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Elkton, Maryland on June 4, 2026.
Marathon Maniacs Titanium Status is earned by completing:
• 52 Marathons within 365 days, or
• 30 Marathons in 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces (any combination) within 365 days.
To learn more about the Marathon Maniacs criteria, click here: https://www.marathonmaniacs.com/maniac-criteria
Congratulations to Don Wilkinson (HF16855, DA3147, MM10671) on achieving Sun Status for the 4th time at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Elkton, Maryland on June 4, 2026.
Half Fanatics Sun Status is earned by completing:
• 52 Half Marathons within 365 days, or
• 30 Half Marathons in 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces (any combination) within 365 days.
To learn more about the Half Fanatics criteria, click here: https://www.halffanatics.com/fanatic-criteria
Congratulations to Christal Wells (MM12896) on celebrating her 100th marathon at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Elkton, Maryland on June 4, 2026.
Congratulations to Keenan Haga (MM9947) on reaching his 600th marathon at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series on June 5th in Stonersville, PA!
Of those 600 marathons, over a third have been 50K or longer.
Congratulations, Keenan!
Gysel Parajon(MM8995, HF18751) – I had planned to run a double last weekend, a local 50K Saturday, followed by the Revel Reno Tahoe Marathon Sunday. I tapered for two weeks running only one mile or less, sometimes more on heavy workdays. As luck would have it the 50K sold out and later on I couldn’t have been more grateful. I love challenging my body but the Revel downhill marathon proved to be challenging enough on its own.
When Revel announced this marathon I jumped on the registration as I was so happy the race series would be coming to my neck of the woods! I was also really happy to find out so many Maniacs would be running it too. A number of us got together for dinner the night before the race and had a great time! Race day I saw friends and made new ones, which was awesome!
The race itself was fantastic, albeit I did experience distress, which cost me about 20 minutes in the long run, but despite that I am okay with my time. I banked time by letting my body be free through the first half, which was all downhill. In the second half I slowed down as I had planned when the small hills appeared. The weather, which had been cold at the start and then perfect for running, nice and cool, took a turn and became chilly and windy. Ultimately graupel, or snow pellets began to fall in the last couple miles. We had had a heatwave the previous week, so despite feeling frozen by the finish I preferred it over the heat.
All in all this was a great race experience mainly because I got to see and run with friends, which is always special. And even though it took more time to recuperate from this race I do love running downhill. Thank you @runrevel for this special edition, the volunteers, fellow runners, friends and family for the support, especially my boy and his papa. #runrevel
Happy Birthday Marathon Maniacs!
On May 25, 2003, Marathon Maniacs was born. Here is the story of how that happened.
We are Steve, Chris and Tony, running marathons and beyond is our passion. The more races the better.
It all started on May 25, 2003. After completing the Coeur ‘d Alene Marathon, Steve Yee, Chris Warren, Tony Phillippi & Sue Fauerbach were having lunch with a Spokane area Dead Runner (Terry Watanabe). The conversation was about how many marathons we have run throughout the year. Steve knew Marathon Guide’s race calendar like the back of his hand and was trying to fit as many marathons into his schedule as he could. Of course his enthusiasm was contagious as both Tony and Chris were throwing out some marathons of their own. Terry made the statement “I feel like I’m amongst a bunch of Marathon Maniacs” on an email sent to the Dead Runners Society and the name stuck. The three of them were referred to as the Maniacs from that day forward.
Soon after, Tony and Chris started thinking that it would be great to have a marathon specific running club for runners as crazy as they were. The idea was run by Steve and he loved it! And so the Marathon Maniacs were born!
We feel that marathon running is a great addiction that with support from others feeling the same way will just make that addiction grow stronger! Keep on running!
Originally posted at https://www.marathonmaniacs.com/main-maniacs
Pictured are #1 Steve Yee, #2 Chris Warren, #3 Tony Phillippi
Photo: Day before 2013 Boston Marathon
Congratulations to Tim Mahler (MM6155) who celebrated his 800th Full Marathon at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series, May 13 in Baltic, S. Dak.
Congratulations to Pam Begnaud (HF18927) for completing her 50 states journey on May 11th at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series in South Sioux City, Nebraska.
She also completed 8 half marathons in 8 days during the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series
From Mainly Marathons, “We got to celebrate Pam’s 50th state. Pam and Bubba (HF18928) set out on a journey to complete all 50 states together. They had completed 48 together. They did not get to finish Hawaii or Nebraska together so today, Pam wrapped up their journey of their 50th state, celebrating with her Mainly family. With every bird chirping and the beautiful sunrise, we know Bubba was cheering her on!!”
Congratulations to Liz Gmerek(MM6413, DA383, HF382) who finisher her finished her 1,000th FULL MARATHON at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series on May 14, 2026.
“She was surrounded by a sea of pink showing all the love and support this Mainly family has to offer! She has finished just under 600 of those marathons with Mainly and a whopping 920 of those with Kevin Brosi!”
Congratulations to Mitch Montgomery (HF18443) for achieving Sun Status at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series (May 9, 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, Mitch!
Lea Reyes (HF16015, DA2891, MM13731) – #11 Ultra. 1st 100 miler. Nanny Goat. Shelli Sexton race Director.
Let’s talk about it.
The Nanny Goat is an ultra in Riverside on a ranch. It has a 12 hour, 24 hour, and 100 mile single or with a relay option running a one mile loop for your goal distance. It’s a running family and friends community with lots of horses, goats, dogs, roosters, and a pop belly pig. Kids were running laps with their friends or family, which I loved to see.
The loop starts at the barn, you pass the aid station, you run down a shaded area, where everyone is tented up with their personal aid stations, music playing, family, and friends hanging out to support their loved ones. We make a right turn onto a road out and back where more supporters are hanging out, and then we head to the front of the ranch under shaded trees, a little bit of grass and then back on the ranch. Some may think this is boring but when you have as many supporters as we did it’s an unforgettable event. Plus you have the opportunity of talking to others, hearing their stories, and meeting new friends.
100 miles you say. Who in their right mind created this event. Let’s go run 100 miles. Who says that??? Why? So many questions were going on in my head. I switched from the 12 hour to the 100 miles six weeks ago. I knew I could go the distance. I was more concerned about the time. I had to hit 80 miles within 24 hours and not being on my feet more than 52 miles in a single shot had me a little concerned.
I was all set up and had everything I needed. Woke up at 4 o’clock. Left my hotel room and was at the ranch by 5:15. I wanted to make sure I had a good parking spot behind my set up so that I could easily change after every marathon to feel refreshed and rest when needed. I felt great in the morning and most of the afternoon until the sun came out and it got too hot. I started feeling sick, dizzy, body was tripping out, and I couldn’t keep the electrolytes down. I have to figure that out. I ran out of ice so I called DoorDash. Best $22 I’ve ever spent for a 20lb bag of ice. I switched to water and I had a lot of protein shakes and caffeinated spice chai from Trader Joe’s. I ate a lot of fruit, tons of potatoes with salt, and two popsicles. Once the evening came, I felt much better. Much cooler. I had to lay down and rest for about an hour and a half the first time. Felt better after some rest and was able to run again. Kept going until the morning and made the cut off by 22 minutes.
Had to rest again for another 40 minutes after I hit 80. There were no more long breaks after that except a five minute sit down here and there. I kept counting the miles and time in my head knowing there was a 30 hour time limit. I knew I had to pick it up, but I was beat. My feet were hurting bad and I had to use my poles for the last marathon and those really helped to keep me steady. I kept getting closer and closer, but everyone else was way ahead of me and I was freaking out that I still had a half marathon to go.
Everyone that was left still rooting you on, pacing with you, filling your pain, but they were very encouraging every time you passed them. The last half marathon I was picking up pace. Got in my groove, jogged and ran in different areas and just kept moving. I started passing people who were miles ahead of me, but they too were beat and walking. I saw that as an opportunity to pick it up faster and keep going.
As I got closer, I told myself I will never do this again. One and done. I just had to see if I could. And I did!!!!
100 miles in 29:22:03. There’s something to say about someone who is on their feet for 29 hours. That is resilience, strength, and a mental fight.
I appreciated everyone out there. Saw and walked with some great running friends Natalie Uyeno (great support) met new friends, and had a blast. And thank you Ed Ettinghausen (world record holder) for hanging out to watch the last man standing. Even though you completed your race four hours earlier, you still stayed and supported everyone.
Will I ever do this again? 100 miles, yes! But now my goal is to do it in 24.
Slept 12 hours, two blisters, legs are tired, but overall feel good. Much needed recovery.
What did I learn? I need more miles in my training and for this distance I need to buy four veggie delight foot-long‘s from Subway. That was the best damn sandwich I had after the race. I was so hungry and than took an hour and a half nap under a tree before I headed home.
Next up.
RNR San Diego 5k and marathon
Happy running!
Congratulations to Kevin Brosi (MM94) on completing his tenth full round of all 50 states at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series in Bear, Delaware!
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 Red Island State Marathon in Warwick, RI as part of the New England Challenge II Series on May 31, 2026.
Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family—spotted at races nationwide—grabbed a quick group shot ahead of the Fargo Marathon & Half Marathon in Fargo, North Dakota. on May 31, 2026.
Congratulations to Cyd Antang-Plotkin (MM7715, DA3802,HF18867) for completing her second full round of all 50 states on May 15th at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series.
Congratulations to Matt Johnston(MM4038) for finishing his 50 states journey on May 11th at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series.
Congratulations to Karen Simmons (HF12312) for completing her 50 states journey on May 8th at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series.
Congratulations to Heather Ziegler (MM3086) for being a 2026 inductee into the Marathon Maniacs Hall of Fame.
Congratulations and welcome to the class of 2026!
She reached Hall of Fame Eligibility by completing 333 – Lifetime Marathons / Ultras.
The criteria to be eligible for the Hall of Fame can be found here
Heather Ziegler (MM3086)– “It’s official – I’m in the Hall of Fame!!! From my Maniac qualifying race in 2010 to my qualifying race for the HOF, I have enjoyed every step – and look forward to many more!!! Thank you to the friends that helped get me in so quickly!!!”
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Rock N Roll San Diego, the original Rock N Roll Marathon! San Diego is beautiful and hilly – mostly hilly.
First time running here, 10th marathon in California and #527 overall.
Next up, 3 marathons with Mainly New England Series on June 11,12,13 in VT, NH, and ME…
Steven Yee(MM1, DA1, HF1) – My one half marathon per year and unlike the last few where I had to walk quite a bit, this time I managed to stay with the 2:20 pacers, felt comfortable throughout and ran the the entire race…it was actually fun!
The day started quite early as Susan and I carpooled to make the long trek to Snohomish and meet up with the other members of our hiking group who also signed up for the race. Kudos to them, especially for those making their half marathon debut.
I keep saying that I want to quit running and focus on hiking (and maybe pickleball😝), but today’s performance, while not at all speedy, proved to me that I can still have fun at races while not being competitive…those days are long gone. And the camaraderie of just participating in a race…I’ve missed that special feeling.
But I hope someone knocks some sense into me and tells me that “running is stupid” and don’t sign up for more races!
Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21)-Newport Marathon! My fastest marathon in more than a year and a half and my first sub-3:40 of the year. Solid run with good splits (1:47:30/1:50:38) and pretty consistent pace (7:55-8:39 pace range). Perfect weather! Marathon/ultra #594.
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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