Gregory Rouson recently completed his 260th lifetime half marathon at the Cowtown Challenge, which included a 10K and a half marathon. Expressing his excitement, he noted the impressive hills and finisher medals in Texas. Rouson had long wanted to participate in this event due to the city’s rich history, particularly the Stock Yards, and he was pleased with the experience. He thanked his fellow Black Sheep Runners, Cheryl and Derek, for their companionship throughout the weekend.
Author Archives: Maniacs Fanatics Madness
Myrtle Beach Marathon Walk: Heat Beaten, Friends Greeted!
Alexis Davidson participated in the Myrtle Beach Marathon, experiencing humid weather with temperatures between 61-75F. The mostly flat course had heavy traffic and required significant police presence. Davidson improved from last week’s performance, finishing with splits of 2:41 and 5:39, and noted the irony of wearing a long-sleeve race shirt in the heat.
Combos Half Marathon Reunion: Running Friends Unite!
Tricia Davis and Aubrey Davis celebrated a successful race during the Combos Half Marathon in Albany, GA, marking their participation in the event as a highlight for #MedalMonday. They expressed pride in their journey to complete a half marathon in every U.S. state, emphasizing the joy of meeting fellow runners like Bob and Lesley Strauss, Bev Lyerly Latvala, and Tahira Bland, whom they encountered during previous races. Their involvement in running communities has enriched their experiences and fostered valuable friendships.
April 2026 Meet Up
The Capital City Half Marathon takes place in Columbus, Ohio, showcasing the vibrant community and scenic routes. It offers both competitive and recreational running experiences, attracting participants of all levels. For more information, a video highlighting the event is available at the provided link.
First Quarter 2027 Meet-up
The Louisiana Marathon–January 2027 Artwork by Jenn Miller
From Ambassador in 2016 to Pacer in 2026: My Ventura Marathon Story
Maricris Lu reflects on her role as a race ambassador for the Ventura Marathon & Half since 2016, where she has participated in various race formats with her kids. She has paced the race for four consecutive years, expressing gratitude for the experience, her co-pacer, and the enjoyable finish line treats.
Combos Half Marathon Race Recap Albany, GA (March 2026)
Tahira Bland shared her experience at the Combos Half Marathon in Albany, Georgia, on March 7, 2026, marking her 77th lifetime half marathon. She noted the race’s challenging hot and hilly conditions but successfully completed it. This event was her sixth half marathon in Georgia and part of a trio of consecutive weekends dedicated to the distance. Participants enjoyed ample aid stations, enthusiastic crowd support, and a festive finish area with various snacks. Tahira looks forward to her next race, the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 3
Medal Monday showcases recent accomplishments from members of the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, highlighting various personal stories and achievements. Key features include details on the upcoming National Meet-Up at the 2026 Capital City Half Marathon, scheduled events, and recent race experiences shared by members. Notable mentions include runners completing significant milestones, such as Barbara Rausch’s 300th half marathon and individuals providing insights into race conditions and camaraderie. The community celebrates their shared passion for running and personal growth.
Cowtown Marathon 2026 Race Report – Back-of-the-Pack Edition
Brian Johnson participated in the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas, marking his 64th marathon and 33rd state. He enjoyed the generous 7.5-hour cutoff as a back-of-the-pack runner. Arriving in Dallas, he experienced the expo and the vibrant atmosphere of race day, featuring entertaining sights and a commemorative mile for fallen service members. However, a wrong turn at mile 23 cost him 10 minutes, creating frustration. Despite this, he finished strong and appreciated the unique cowboy hat-shaped medal. He encourages others to try this Texas race.
Run Family at the Cowtown Marathon
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 Cowtown Marathon/Half Marathon in Ft. Worth, Texas on March 1, 2026. Photo and Post Credit Chris Bouchard