Tahira Bland participated in her 85th lifetime half marathon as part of Mainly Marathons’ Summer Camp in Minnesota, motivated by a Prince-themed medal. This marks her third race in Minnesota, occurring about an hour from Minneapolis, and is the first of a four-race series celebrating the end of the season. The course featured scenic views on crushed gravel, with ample shade. She enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow runners and appreciated the event swag. Tahira looks forward to her next race, the Madison Mini-Marathon.
Author Archives: Maniacs Fanatics Madness
Celebrating the End of a 50 States Journey
Tim Mahaffey, identified by codes HF18276, DA3585, and MM13844, successfully completed his 50th state for half marathons. Meanwhile, Lisa Rice Seidel, associated with HF6155, DA699, and MM9014, achieved her third round of 50 states during the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series on July 17th in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Both runners were celebrated for their accomplishments, marking significant milestones in their marathon journeys. The event highlights the dedication of participants in long-distance running challenges. Photo and post credits go to Mainly Marathons.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 11
Medal Monday showcases inspiring achievements from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Recent highlights include Tahira Bland running her 85th Half Marathon in Minnesota, Amy Sea completing her 225th Half amidst challenging air quality in NY, and Pam Whittington participating in a series across seven states. Dr. Bryon Solberg completed his 50th state milestone and was inducted as a Mainly Marathons Legend. Each runner shared personal stories about their experiences, races, and the supportive community, celebrating both personal and collaborative accomplishments in running.
Run Family at the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series
Before starting a race, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running community often captures a ‘Family Photo.’ During the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series, they managed to take a group photo in Hicksville, Ohio, and Niles, Michigan, on July 11 and 12, 2026. This tradition highlights the camaraderie and spirit of the running family, which is frequently seen at races across the nation, fostering a sense of unity and shared passion among the participants. Photo credit goes to Brian Johnson.
Nothing Flat About This One! RiverRoad Half Marathon
Tonisia Billups discusses her experience at the Hatfield & McCoy Half Marathon in West Virginia. Traveling from Jacksonville to Matewan, she notes logistical challenges, especially with limited hotel options near the race. Despite the heat, humidity, and hilly terrain, she enjoyed the race, choosing the RiverRoad Half, which was unexpectedly tough. The race offers fruit at fuel stations, which helped her during hotter moments. While there was minimal spectator support, she recommended the race with caution and appreciated the message at Pikeville University before her return.
Jennifer & David Clark Celebrate Loony & Little Loony Legend
Jennifer Clark recounts her extensive running achievements in a late Medal Monday post. She completed the Mainly Marathon Impendence Series, finishing with races in NJ and NY, and then switched to the New England Series, taking part in a Half Marathon and a 5K across multiple states. This marked her achievement of becoming a Loony Legend, with a total of 422 Half Marathons. The post also highlights a celebratory ceremony, including a cake and signs, and recognizes David for his own running accomplishments.
Scenic Lake Superior to Shaded Winnipeg: Amy Sea’s Cross-Border Half Marathon Double
Amy Sea recapped her memorable weekend of running, completing two half marathons in the USA and Canada. She participated in Grandma’s Half in Duluth, MN, which celebrated its 50th anniversary with great organization and scenic views of Lake Superior, achieving her first back-to-back sub-3 hours finishes since 2021. The Manitoba Half in Winnipeg, while less iconic, was also well-organized and fast, providing a friendly atmosphere for runners. She recommends both races with some logistical considerations for participants.
From Rolling Hills to Grilled Cheese: Stillwater Scenic Half
Scott Pearson(HF18577) – It was a great morning for a run. We still don’t quite have the heat wave. Like 60 to start. 70 at the end. This was a nice scenic course. Light rolling hills throughout for about 500 foot of elevation change, but nothing really nasty. Overall I felt pretty good This wasContinue reading “From Rolling Hills to Grilled Cheese: Stillwater Scenic Half”
Sivagiri Marathon – A Hidden Gem in Tamil Nadu, India!
Sivabalan Pandian successfully completed the SIVAGIRI MARATHON on June 21, 2026, in Sivagiri, Tamil Nadu. The event was well-organized, providing ample aid stations with food and drinks, and support from over 100 volunteers and cyclists. Runners enjoyed features like water spraying chambers and ice baths at the finish line. Despite being in a small town, the marathon offered a positive atmosphere and scenic countryside running with minimal traffic. Pandian, now at 67, celebrated completing over 1,000 marathons.
Perfect Weather, Breathtaking Views: A Grandma’s Marathon Recap
Margie Carr recaps her experience at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, on June 20, 2026, where she participated as a 70-year-old in her 12th full marathon. This sought-after race sold out quickly, attracting 20,000 participants for its 50th anniversary. Despite challenging rolling hills and warm weather, Margie finished with a time of 6 hours and 8 minutes, close to her goal. She expressed gratitude for her coach, friends, and support along the course, contemplating future half marathons instead of fulls.