Tonisia Billups recounted her experience of racing at the Amica Newport Half Marathon after a hectic travel weekend. Squeezing in events around work, she flew into Rhode Island, raced in Massachusetts, and returned to Newport, tackling an uphill start that challenged her. Despite the logistical hurdles and an irritating runner who kept cutting her off, she ultimately found her rhythm. After finishing, she enjoyed stunning beach views and celebrated with a colleague who surprised her with a treat, marking her 49th state completed in races.
Author Archives: Maniacs Fanatics Madness
Run Family at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon
Before races, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family often captures a ‘Family Photo.’ They took a quick group shot during the Garmin Kansas City Marathon & Half Marathon in Kansas City, MO, on October 17, 2026. The tradition of these group photos showcases their camaraderie and the spirit of community among runners, as they gather at events across the nation. This particular moment was credited to Brian Johnson for both the photo and the social media post.
Lightning, Rain, and 33.6 Miles at the Goose Bumps 24 Hour Run
Tim Mullican (MM7655) covered 33.6 miles at the Goose Bumps 6 and 24 hour run on Goose Island near La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early Saturday rain dumped 4.5 to 5 inches, and lightning closed the course for nearly five hours. No time was added back, and there was no medal. The run was the reward.
Buckle Earned: Brenda Folkerts’ First 100 at Ultra Fest
Brenda Folkerts (MM15695, DA3674, HF18068) finished her first 100-miler at Ultra Fest in Easton, Washington, a day she had planned for five years. Pacers, crew, and her husband got her to the buckle after doctors said rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and POTS would keep her from it. She is calling it one and done, with 100K as her new max while she works on 50 states.
Donuts, Trolls, and State 49 at the Boring Marathon
Debby Cannon (MM15148) ran the Boring Marathon for marathon #238 and state #49. A late flight meant she missed the early start, so she ran the double out-and-back mostly on her own, passing friends on the trail and hitting aid stations stocked with donuts, Goldfish, and candy.
Lifetime Half #267: Randy Riley at the Akron Marathon Half
Randy Riley(MM14470, DA3218, HF16432) – Akron Marathon Half today. I have run this race every year they’ve held it since the inaugural one (2009 I think). Akron is a surprisingly hilly city. My Garmin watch says we went 489 feet up during the uphill sections. Of course we came back down but in running, hillsContinue reading “Lifetime Half #267: Randy Riley at the Akron Marathon Half”
Back Where It Started: Ed Toews at the Queen City Marathon
Ed Toews (MM9501, DA3146, HF16852) returned to the Queen City Marathon, his first marathon back in 2012, and finished in 5:59, just inside the 6-hour cutoff. Mostly speed walking, a tight finish after a little back trouble, and a reminder that today was not the day he could not do this.
Goal Met at Altitude
Devesh Khatu (MM10488) finished the Ladakh Marathon, his 174th marathon and the highest he has run at 11,155 feet. He also hit his 2026 goal of 12 marathons in a year. Altitude made him about 25 minutes slower than Hyderabad two weeks earlier, but the weather was perfect, and he plans to go back for this race or one of their ultras.
Sioux Falls Half Recap: Rolling Hills, Waterfalls, & River Views
Ann Malz completed the Sioux Falls Half Marathon, beating her previous month’s time by over a minute. She enjoyed the course, which featured hills, a long downhill stretch, and scenic views, including Falls Park and the river. The clean park bathrooms and bridges added to the experience. The weather was pleasant with a slight chill towards the end. Ann also received a kindness bracelet from a fellow runner and met some people participating in the 50 state challenge.
“It Was Not 99.9 Degrees”: A Sioux Falls Half Marathon Recap
Scott Pearson shares his experience running the Sioux Falls half marathon, noting the pleasant 58-degree start temperature. After two hot races, he was relieved by the cooler weather. His primary goal was to finish safely, ideally around 2:45, and he successfully used a run-walk method despite some soreness. He mentions that Garmin is displeased due to his recent rest after the Blood Run ultra, but he remains optimistic. Pearson looks forward to a double race in two weeks and enjoyed a pre-race meal with fellow runners.