Jolanta Thorburn began her marathon journey in 2022 with the Chicago Marathon. She went on to run additional marathons, including New York, Seattle, Tokyo, and Berlin, all while fundraising. In 2024, she completed the London Marathon and aimed to qualify for the Boston Marathon, achieving this goal in 2025. By June 2026, she completed her 50 states + DC challenge and crossed the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon, marking the completion of the Six World Marathon Majors.
Author Archives: Maniacs Fanatics Madness
Danzig Maraton 2026 Race Report – Flat Course, Paving Stones & Windchill
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the Danzig Maraton yesterday. Dreary 46-51F windchills. Went with one long sleeve layer on top. Course was a loop with 3 embedded out/backs. Mostly asphalt with 3K paving stones in the old town and 3K hard pack in Ronald Reagan Park. Mostly flat with 2 hills and 1 overpass. 267 ftContinue reading “Danzig Maraton 2026 Race Report – Flat Course, Paving Stones & Windchill”
From Antarctica to Boston: My Miraculous, Painful 5th Boston Marathon
Lynne Kilirnr completed the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, marking her fifth marathon finish despite facing numerous challenges. After an underprepared Antarctica marathon due to a knee injury, she managed a miraculous finish at Boston, meeting the strict cutoff time. However, training setbacks continued with a hilly half marathon that exacerbated her knee issues. Despite significant pain during the race, Lynne persevered with the support of a friend, ultimately finishing before the deadline. She is now looking forward to the Cape Town marathon.
Cap City Half Marathon Weekend 2026: Running for Fun with the Half Fanatics
Brian Johnson(MM8807, DA707, HF7287) – My thoughts on the Cap City Half Marathon weekend.This year I chose to run it as a participant instead of pacing it. I had a lot of fun.I was also able to help coordinate, with quite a lot of help from Deborah Coleman, a meet-up weekend for the Half FanaticsContinue reading “Cap City Half Marathon Weekend 2026: Running for Fun with the Half Fanatics”
Double Unicorn Begins: My Boston Tough Ruck Adventure
Jared Ewing(MM16013)- Boston Tough Ruck 2026. First part of my Double Unicorn challenge. That two for one special two marathons in one weekend now ain’t that special!I received a phone call one morning from @kiki_runsthemiles and when I saw it was her I was thinking she was just wanting to catch up, probably hear aboutContinue reading “Double Unicorn Begins: My Boston Tough Ruck Adventure”
Run Family at the Capital City Half 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 Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus, Ohio. on April 25, 2026. Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Members
Proud Dad Moment -Watching My 14-Year-Old Become a Half Fanatic
Paul F Dunwell IV celebrates his 14-year-old son’s achievement of becoming a Half Fanatic after completing the Run Sunset Beach Half Marathon with a personal record of 2:15:56.4. He emphasizes their careful training approach and expresses pride in his son’s determination and grit, encouraging him to pursue his passion responsibly.
Dollywood Butterfly Challenge Review – Great Concept, Execution Needs Work
Nicole Charlton-Nauroth(HF7645) – Half 169 Dollywood Butterfly ChallengeThis was their first year so I’ve had a lot of people ask me to let them know how it went. Short answer: it was fine. Would I do it again? Probably not. Nothing catastrophic went wrong but they have a lot to work on. It was alsoContinue reading “Dollywood Butterfly Challenge Review – Great Concept, Execution Needs Work”
Capital City Half Marathon – A Fantastic Race Day in Columbus
Jennifer Clark participated in the Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus, Ohio, marking her 404th half marathon. She expressed gratitude for crossing the finish line in a race with nearly 12,000 runners, highlighting the excellent crowd and police support. Jennifer enjoyed an after party and a pre-race pasta dinner organized by Brian Johnson. She shared photos from the day, including the finish line and her medal, and looks forward to her next race.
Running Through Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby Festival
Tonisia Billups participated in the Kentucky Derby Mini Half Marathon, noting a high police presence and a fenced course through Churchill Downs. She found the flat course welcoming for all runners and enjoyed the finishers’ village offerings. Afterward, she attended a Derby brunch before heading to Brooklyn, emphasizing the importance of buying a Pegasus pin for festival access.