Before the race begins, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family makes it a tradition to take a ‘Family Photo.’ This group was captured in a quick snapshot before the Fargo Marathon and Half Marathon on May 31, 2026, in Fargo, North Dakota. The photo highlights the camaraderie among runners as they gather nationwide for various races. The post and photo were credited to Toni Billups and Jacqueline Schreiver, showcasing their involvement in this vibrant running community.
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Run Family at the Delaware Running Festival
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 Delaware Running Festival in Wilmington, Delaware. on April 19, 2026. Photo and Post Credit Gregory Rouson
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”
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
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.
DNF at Rattlesnake Dick 50k: Embracing the Struggle
Gysel Parajon shares her experience at the Rattlesnake Dick 50k trail race in Cool, CA. She aimed to push her limits beyond a marathon distance, attracting her to this local event with a generous 10-hour time limit. Although she started strong, the heat affected her pace, and fear of encountered rattlesnakes led her to slow down. Ultimately, she missed the first cutoff by four minutes. Despite not finishing, Gysel enjoyed meeting fellow runners and volunteers, and plans to return next year.
What We Do for a Country – Vatican Express Marathon Story
Alexis Davidson participated in the Vatican Express Marathon, walking in chilly conditions between 43-62F. Starting at St. George Square, the course included 13 loops along the Tiber River, totaling 423 ft elevation gain. Despite feeling under the weather and fatigued from the previous day, Alexis aimed for a time under 6:30. Struggling by the seventh loop, she pushed through, finishing 15th out of 18 participants. Acknowledgment was given to fellow participant Alexandra Molina for her support.
Rome Marathon Pacer Story: Balloons, Shawarma, Beer & World Record
Paul Vining(MM15580) – Late post, but been busy.Friday: Arrived in Rome, picked up race packets, attended pacer technical briefing, walk around a bit, went to bed a bit early to recover from jetlag. 27,500 stepsSaturday: Ran a 5k Fun Run in Rome, kind of a shakeout run, lots of families, kids, dogs, and all sortsContinue reading “Rome Marathon Pacer Story: Balloons, Shawarma, Beer & World Record”
When Enough Is Enough… And Then You Keep Going – Pistol 100 Reflections
Luther Hill reflects on his arduous journey preparing for the Pistol Ultra 100-miler, a six-month training regimen that tested his limits through all four seasons. He highlights the importance of individual pacing in ultra-distance running and shares insights into the mental and physical challenges faced during the race, particularly during the second half. Supported by his partner, Janie Grace, and inspired by messages from loved ones, Luther ultimately finds fulfillment and joy in completing this grueling endurance event, marking it as his hardest achievement yet.