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.
Deo Jerome(MM22) – Southern African Challenge: 4 marathons in a week aug 2 Malawi aug 4 lesotho, aug 6 eswatini, and aug 7 Mozambique. Then placed 3rd 60-69 age group 😊
🦓 🐃 🦏 🦒 🐒 🐘
Debby Cannon(MM15148) – Juneau Alaska Mainly Marathon Series all 4 days complete.
Glen Anderson(MM2674) – I know Jun Ulama has mentioned my 11th round finish yesterday but I wanted to post some of these pics that were mostly taken by Jun and also thank him for being able to make it and make the race so much fun!
I wanted to finish this round here because it seemed so unique and it really is an awesome event. And with an 8 hour cutoff it’s a great option for many 50 Staters and Maniacs. The Yellowstone Trail Marathon in West Yellowstone is run completely on cross country ski trails and is very runnable. The only downside (but also makes it unique) is you are asked to carry your own bottle of bear spray as there are supposedly lots black bears as well as grizzly bears that live in the area. Fortunately we did not see any but we stayed together as we we were told it’s not as safe to be alone.
And then after the race what better way to close out the day than for all 3 of us to go to our first ever rodeo in Cowboy Country! We had a fun awesome day!
Devesh Khatu(MM10488) – Marathon #171 and 2nd AFMC Pune Marathon. Pune is a major military command post in India, and AFMC is the Armed Forces Medical College which caters to the needs of the military. The race was tough with rolling hills (more elevation gain than the SF Marathon!) with lots of humidity. And I was coming from a college reunion with lots of drinking last two days, and not much sleep last night again. The course seemed a little different from last time with more sections on the campus. But the organization left a lot to be desired, with running in darkness for the first hour, poor traffic control, and running out of cups for water at the end.
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Don’t wait—gear up before it’s gone!
#MarathonManiacs #HalfFanatics #SummerRuns #ClubPride
Ietta Parrott(MM15646) – First time pacing two marathons back to back and I will say it was an amazing experience and I would definitely do it again!
Carla Champ Marie Simon(MM14304, DA3133, HF13789) – Today I ran in and finished the Kensington Aloha Runs half marathon in Michigan. I ended up taking 5th out of 13 in my age group and finished in 2 hours 19 minutes. Great way to finish my last race as a 38 year old.
Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) – ORTA 10 IN 10
10 TH TIME I PARTICIPATED — ORTA 10 IN 10 IN ITALY .
In the year 2016 – first time I started running BACK TO BACK MARATHON SERIES at ORTA 10 IN10 and thereafter I gave preference to run back to back marathons all over the world like 7 in 7 ,
10 in10 , 17 in 17 , 22 in 22 and easily reached 1000 + in less than 13 years of running .
https://share.google/pIhdhJYJK05IJDd5V
Orta 10 in 10 is very lucky series for me and very well organized marathon timed series by SUPER CLUB OF ITALIA and never ever missed from 2016 to 2026 .
Finish Timimg of completion of 42.195 KM which started from 5 /8/2026 & ended on 14/8/2026
Day 1 – 7:23:03
Day 2 – 7:34:27
Day 3 – 7:20:33
Day 4 – 7:44:17
Day 5 – 7:47:20
Day 6- 7:19:34
Day 7 – 7:20:49
Day 8 – 7:38:34
Day 9 – 6:54:03
Day 10 -7:32:17
I am very much happy to complete 297 marathons ONLY IN ITALY FROM 2016 TILL TODAY which help me to touch 1000 in less than 13 years .
Now I have left only 3 targets which I am aiming for
- Love to do 3 more marathons in Italy to reach 300 mark
- Need to do 3 more states DE , OK and HI in USA to reach completion of 50 states.
- Planning to do Antartica Marathon to reach finisher of 7 continents .
Happy Running.
Wanda Shoemake(MM8617, DA2688, HF15573) – Wicked Fast Marathon Montana was just that WICKED!! It was not fast and it was not a downhill race. Some downhill but oh the hills! And never underestimate gravel. It ate my legs & feet up! The best part was the beautiful scenery. My favorite place to go is out to Montana. So we got to go to Yellowstone and see some beautiful scenery. Didn’t see a moose or bison but we did see pranghorn. The other most important time is with friends. We had so much fun. 🤩 They are such a blessing to me. Fun times. Until the next race ladies!
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – I walked my 10th Sweltering Summer 8HR this Saturday. I’ve done at least 50K each time. 70-90F heat index with dewpoint at 68F and low wind. 93 .355M laps for 33.015M and 978 laps over the ten years. Hit the marathon at a net time of 6:05 and the 50K at 7:24. I was able to keep it between 13:00 and 14:00 until I reached 10.65M and then slowed down towards 15:00 until 23.43M. Mostly 15:00-17:00 after that. I think I did a good job at staying hydrated and fed during the 8 hours. Good to hang with Bill Odendahl, Ed Peters, Azadeh Smeltzer-azad, Dennis R Smeltzer, Emmy Stocker, Benn Griffin and his sidekick Wally Watermelon. 41 of 74 participants got at least a marathon and 28 at least a 50K. I was 21st which is not bad for a walker. Stans will notice I’m wearing an Around the Bay 30K 125th edition cap again. I want to thank Benn Griffin for somehow finding me a replacement after I lost mine at Delaware City in June. Ed Peters drove me to the Pittsfield Intermodal Transportation Station and things immediately went south. The AC was at max, a thunderstorm moved in, temps dropped to 70F and all my clothes were wet. Added 2 layers on top immediately and suffered until my bus rolled in. Uggh #marathonmaniacs.
Michelle Migneault Cox(HF17353) – So I finally got the chance to do the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon. It was an absolutely beautiful race and was downhill but not at all times. I should have started in the earliest coral bc it got so hot. After the race my left calf and right shin muscles cramped like nothing I had felt before and I didn’t know how I was going to drive back to Cait’s house, but I recovered pretty quick after massaging and eating some mustard packets 😂 For dinner we went to Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs soooo good!
Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21) – Jack and Jill day two gets me my July half marathon. Couldn’t get a sub-1:50, but still not bad for the day after a marathon. Time to get a shower, a quick bite and head home.
Amanda-Paul Hoskins(MM7214, DA2081, HF13638) – Galloping Gertie Half Marathon • 8/1/26 🏅
Who ordered the wind? 🌬️😆
Today’s race served up everything—gusty miles, epic views, shiny medals, and a record-breaking turnout! But the real magic wasn’t the weather… it was every single runner who showed up ready to take on whatever the day had in store.
Fast or steady, chasing a PR or just crossing the finish line, every mile counted. That’s the kind of grit, heart, and community that keeps us coming back.
Wind can’t steal this vibe. What a day! 💥🏃♀️🏃♂️
Happy to bring home 1st in my Age Group and 9th Overall Female! 🏅🔥
I guess going out hot paid off after all!
The tail end of the course I was spent, but I dug deep and got it done. 😮💨🏃♀️
Sometimes you’ve just got to trust your instincts and let it rip. 😎🏃♀️
Paul earned 4th AG ✌🏻🙌🏻
Huge shoutout to our crew @runsuperseries Galloping Gertie Half Marathon, 10k & 5k for another amazing morning together 🤩
Sandi Googs(HF9218) – Lifetime Half #194 complete with a pacing gig at the Little Miami Half Marathon in Morrow, Ohio. Today was a tough one with humidity but it’s done and now onto the next one!!
Tiffany TK(HF18768) – Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon
To say this race was brutal is an understatement. There were hills, the roads were poorly maintained so I was hopping potholes, and the sun decided it wanted me dead. I honestly have no idea how I finished this. I think it is as sheer stubbornness and not wanting to have to come back to redo the state but finish I did.
My next race is a repeat state in beautiful Montana. My next few races are all repeat states until Oct when I get to New Mexico for the Balloon Chase. I haven’t planned my final three states yet except for Maine.
California was definitely cool to spend time in and I loved the vibe. Reminded me a lot of NY but absolutely less aggressive. Happy I was here, I saw, and now I’m ready to go home 🏠
Sheri Fulton Camp(HF16294) – Yesterday, I ran another half marathon (253) and new state (19) in Madison, WI. Enjoyed the rolling hills and water views. Didn’t like the hills after mile 12. The race was fast providing the free pictures to us. Next half is in Arizona in 10 weeks, then I have six weekends in a row of racing. Better get prepared.
Cyd Antang-Plotkin(MM7715, DA3802, HF18867) – Just finished running 4 consecutive days of running a marathon each day in Juneau, Alaska with Mainly Marathons. The week before I ran a half marathon at San Leandro. Lifetime marathons #237 and lifetime half marathons #115. It’s good to be home.
Jun Ulama(MM12817) – Ran my first ultramarathon of the year at Murderkill Ultramarathons in Delaware! Such a fun race on a gorgeous looped trail course! The trail was awesome, the vibe was relaxed and positive, and seeing familiar sections each lap made it easy to settle in and keep moving.
The race director John was super cool and did a great job putting everything together. The only thing trying to ruin the party was the brutal heat and humidity—it was no joke! But between the great course, awesome people, and good energy all day, it was definitely a race to remember. I highly recommend this event to all of my crazy peeps at the Mainly Marathons, 50 States Marathon Club, and the Marathon Maniacs!
Delaware✅
State 39, round 5✅
Marathon/ultra 325✅
Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – Marathon #335 done at the Run The Pier marathon in Manistee, MI. I had never heard of it before but I liked it and it’s always nice to have more summer marathon options that are driveable!!!
Tahira Bland(HF18830) – Charlevoix Half Marathon: Charlevoix, Michigan – June 20, 2026
This race almost did not happen. A mile of the course is typically over a boardwalk. Something happened to where it wasn’t available. Race Director contacted his representative in the Michigan State Senate. Lo and behold, the race was salvaged on a new course.
I suspect I would’ve liked the old course a lot more, but volunteers were very friendly. The town is charming. 😊
3.5 Stars
Sue Stevens(HF8593, DA2452, MM12891) – Rounded off a great running weekend by achieving a PR at the beautiful B & O Half Marathon this morning. Lots of friends volunteering and running and a great gradual downhill course 🙂
Congratulations to Ann Merfeld(MM9494, DA817, HF8455) – who ran her 300th Marathon at the Mainly Marathons Summer Camp Series on July 19, 2026
Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – Completed a 3H (hot, hazy and humid) half marathon this morning in Dahlgren VA along the Dahlgren Rail Heritage Trail. This is a wooded trail on private property. It is not a public park. You either ran the 50k or half marathon. A fellow runner Jennifer G Hickey ran the 50k and won an age group award! Congratulations Jennifer! The trail was primarily flat but you had to watch out for a lot of roots and remnants of the old railroad. I was hesitant to do this race due to the 3H’s, however, I am glad I did because the only way you are allowed on this trail is with a permit. At the end they had plenty of goodies for us. They were grilling burgers, had watermelon slices, candy, ice cream and a variety of beverages.
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 at the Galloping Gertie Half Marathon in Gig Harbor, WA on August 1, 2026.
Half Fanatics group pic from Ocean Beach, Connecticut
Jacqueline Schreiver(HF17811) – This was one heck of a day!!!
Finished the John & Jessie Kelly Half Marathon. Super hot and hilly, but we finished!!
Took a lighthouse sightseeing cruise.
Lucked out and had dinner at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock!!!
Loved this quick weekend. Never enough days on the coast.
Half #96
2026 – #6
State – 40
Hank OnThe Hill(MM14044, DA3029, HF16561) – Is this post late due to an Alien Abduction? Not this time …
20th Anniversary of The Extra Terrestrial Full Moon Marathon #123; new state #43 for round 2. Race started at Midnight in Rachel, NV ELEV 4970, perfect start temperature for me at 85 degrees and dropping down to 65 by end. Unlike 118 in Las Vegas that was perfect for ET.
Mile 23 … Own it Share it !!
and would not let go ….
Many thanks to Lora Eklund who tried to get me going first few miles and succeed by Mile 14ish, who also is no stranger to Mile 23 antics. Nice to meet 50 stater/Maniac Dan Ruiz.
Race Director Joyce Forier once again has a great race with such a cheerful and energetic volunteer team who also worked midnight to 8am !!! Running in the dark and after midnight was certainly a NEW experience!!!
Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136) – Full marathon 45, state 43, Run with Horses (sadly didn’t see even one horse) in Green River Wyoming… no shade, luckily not super hot EXTREME UPhill the first half then rolling hills for the rest. It was an out n back which is not my favorite but it was a nice smaller race… but out wore me out and i did get 1st ag since it was a small race work 5:23…but it was rough!! And i was tired! Tammy did great as usual and was nice enough to wait for me to finish the full… I’m almost there (43rd state is close but i don’t have a weekend off between now and my 50th state (Delaware) on Dec 5.. I either have a half or full scheduled every weekend! Kinds of mad at this point i have two duplicate marathons to do!
Half Fanatics at the Madison Mini-Marathon & 5K
Rachel Ross (HF6506) – Saturday was a fun half with ABWR in Long Beach. Fun but HOT and I got a terrible finish time but I didn’t care because we were celebrating. It was Vinson SooHoo’s birthday, 200th 5K, and 100th race with ABWR. Coincidentally, it was my 100th half marathon with ABWR and Vinson graciously shared his celebration with me. There was a very special medal shaped like an 8 in honor of his birthdate. He had a special tent set up and put my name above his on one of the banners to celebrate. I tried to add to the festivities with ice cream and ice pops, which mostly melted but were somewhat refreshing. We ABWR friends had lots of fun. Thanks for sharing the day with me, Vinson. 8/8/26. ABWR race #100 and half number 579.
Bryon Solberg(HF18903, DA3819, MM12350) – #MedalMonday
Grateful for four days in Juneau with the Mainly Marathons Alaska Series.
**Thank you to friends for the miles and smiles,
Daniel Rueckert for the beautiful shirt/medals,
Trena Hudspeth Vann for being an Aid Station Angel,
and Katie Lou/Jesse Rueckert for caring for us as Family/directing such wonderful events.
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – I had a great run today pacing Jack and Jill’s Downhill Marathon (day 2). I was pacing 4:45 and came in right on schedule at 4:44:28. I had a small group with me through mile 13, and 2 stuck with me through mile 24. I sent one ahead and she finished about 2 minutes ahead of me. It was great to encourage and support many other runners along the way, and to meet up with a real of my other pacer friends.
This was my 12th time pacing Jack and Jill, my 12th marathon in Washington State, my 10th marathon double weekend, my fastest total time for 2 marathons in a weekend (9 hours), and my 112th marathon overall. A good day.
#superpacers
#teamcoffee
Trivia fact: I now have a tie how many times I’ve run the same marathon course. 12 Bostons and 12 Jack and Jill’s.
Karen Johnson Derrick(MM12489, DA3640HF18426)-Bret & I finished the Valentine Marathon and half in Nebraska today on the Cowboy Trail! It was dark and foggy at the start but quickly became a great day! I was hot at the end of the marathon but I did finish! Attached are a few pictures..
Karen Murray Anderson(HF5492, DA576, MM8075), Glen Anderson(MM2674)🌟 Yes, another whirlwind travel weekend to the West Coast! Getting bored of my run posts yet?!? 🤣
We were the only East Coasters at the local Angry Owl ultra 6/12/24 hour event in Salem, Oregon, and let me tell you – it was a fantastic experience! Such a wonderful, low-key, and supportive running community. 🙌
If we signed up for the 6 hours, we could have finished a marathon, but with the summer heat, we weren’t taking any chances. So, we signed up for the 12-hour event, and to make sure it counts with the Marathon Maniacs we did a 50k. And yes, we took a red-eye home to make it a whirlwind 24 hours in Oregon. 😊
Now, I haven’t shared much about our travel drama lately, but let’s just say it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. This time, our flight to Charlottesville was canceled, so we flew to Richmond and rented a one-way car back to CHO. No real drama – we got home at the same time! 🚗💨 Last month in Mississippi, we faced a similar situation when our flight to Jackson was canceled, and we ended up flying to Gulfport and driving three hours. It happens, and we just roll with what we’ve got!
After some sweltering hot runs, we’re excited to head to Anchorage next weekend, where the marathon temperatures look to be a refreshing 55-65 degrees! Can’t wait for the 3rd quarter 50 States Marathon reunion! 🌎🏅
Congratulations to Karen Hohertz-Jacobs(MM15430, DA3716, HF18668) – who celebrated finishing 50 states for the 2nd time at the Mainly Marathons Alaska Series.
Natalie Uyeno(HF17314, DA3505, MM15186) – The Mainly Marathons Alaska Series is a wrap! ✅ Today I completed lifetime half marathon number 432. Since I was the last finisher of the half, I was awarded the “caboose award” (an extra medal shaped like a train caboose). I’m so thankful to God for helping me to get through this entire series! ❤️🙏
Huge thanks to my pink sister Betsy (a breast cancer survivor💕) who helped pace me the last 2 laps! Thanks to her I was able to finish about 2 minutes per mile faster than I was doing on my own for the previous 5 loops! 😊
I’m going to miss this wonderful cool weather, wildlife sightings, and delicious seafood! Juneau has been a little slice of Heaven on Earth! 😇❤️🌎 Heading back home to California tonight! Thanks to Gloria for taking me for some last minute sightseeing and the ride to the airport! I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful Mainly family! ❤️🥰
Christine Murasaki Ainsworth(MM13525, DA3296, HF17376) – I ran the San Francisco Marathon on Sunday, 7/26/26. Marathon # 82. It was a beautifully scenic and notoriously hilly 26.2 miles. We had perfect weather, not much wind or fog and around 60 degrees. We started at 5:15 AM which meant I was in bed my 6:30 PM to get up at 1:30 AM Sunday morning. My hotel was about a 20 minute walk to the start/finish of the race at the Embarcadero.
I had my bib mailed to me but went to the expo anyway since I was there by noon. I took an Uber there and back but coming back I had pick up point problems. We couldn’t find each other amidst all the traffic and crowds of people. They had many vendors and plenty of race merch. The shirt (back) and the finisher medal have the Golden Gate Bridge on them. The medal is pretty cool because it opens on both sides to form the bridge. 🙂
I was in the second corral. It was like a really long run and a test to see how my right foot would do running 26.2 miles before all my upcoming fall marathons. My last 2 marathons were in April 20 Boston & April 26 Big Sur. I was in PT before Boston and felt good by Big Sur and even after both races. After resuming PT my pain returned but in a new location and was pretty uncomfortable. My podiatrist said the Graston technique being done at PT may have caused trauma to the foot…so I stopped going. It was SLOWLY getting better and he suggested I get a steroid injection to bring down the knot of inflammation. I was able to run SF without any pain. But when he gave me my steroid injection he also removed most of my dead left big toenail which seems to never want to fall off. That caused minor pain. The only real annoying medical challenges I had were my horrible double vision/lack of depth perception. Even my left Lymphedema leg behaved on the flight there and back, and during the race.🙂
We got to run over the Golden Gate Bridge TWICE. I really enjoyed being on the bridge with its beautiful view. 🙂 we ran on the sidewalks. The course is out and back. There was a lot of climbing: up the bridge, across the bridge, down, then around Marin, back up the bridge, on the bridge and back down. Then the hilly streets of San Francisco and Golden Gate Park. Some of the descents were so steep I just could not run down them and was forced to walk. I had company since many others needed to walk them too. I knew SF was going to be hilly but I figured I would make up my time on the descents. Wrong.
I wasn’t sure I’d be returning telling myself after some of the toughest climbs…it was a “One and done” race like I said after my first Big Sur but I’m already registered for next year which will be their 50th Anniversary and the Golden Gate’s 90th birthday. It was a challenge this year and I hope to run better next year. 🙂
Congratulations to Eileen Duchane(HF18413, DA3635, MM15593) – who celebrated finishing 50 states for the 3rd time at the Mainly Marathons Alaska Series.
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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