Merry Mullins shares her journey of turning grief into strength by starting to run marathons at 48 after the death of her mother. Despite lacking proper training or equipment, she completed her first marathon to cope with her loss and began a quest to run in all 50 states. Over 32 months, she faced various challenges but learned that persistence and the will to continue were key. Her experiences taught her that it’s never too late to start, emphasizing that every step counts, regardless of the pace.
Tag Archives: 50 States Marathon Club
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.
Celebrating the Completion of Two 50 States Marathon Journeys
Congratulations to Olivia Medina for achieving her 50 State Finish. Kudos also to Cade Remsburg, who completed his 50 States six times, finishing with only three races not under four hours. Cade completed his sixth round at the Louisiana Marathon in January. Photo credit goes to Denis McCarthy and the 50 States Marathon Club.
Bridging States and Limits: Race Report from the Mississippi River Marathon
Gysel Parajon shares an exciting account of participating in the Mississippi River Marathon, marking his 36th state completed. Despite starting strong and running faster than planned, he faced GI issues and cramping that slowed his pace. Utilizing a run/walk method helped him complete the race, and he was pleased to meet his goal time of 6 hours. He expressed gratitude to volunteers, race organizers, and supporters, highlighting the memorable experience and the scenic bridge over the Mississippi as a race favorite.
Louisiana Marathon 15th: Maniacs & 50 Staters Unite in the Cold
The Louisiana Marathon celebrated its 15th anniversary, and Jun Ulama proudly completed it for the third time. Many friends from the Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon Club participated, despite the unusually cold weather. Ulama expressed enjoyment of the event and offered special congratulations to his friend Cade Remsburg, who achieved the remarkable milestone of finishing the 50 States Marathon for the sixth time. Ulama’s post reflects camaraderie and enthusiasm within the running community, highlighting both personal and shared achievements.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 1
Medal Monday shares inspiring achievements from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, highlighting their progress and camaraderie in 2025. The blog features updates on new members, the unofficial leaderboard, Hall of Fame inductees, and personal stories from recent races, such as the Louisiana Marathon. Enthusiastic runners reflect on their experiences, challenges faced, and the joy found in community events. The announcement for the 2026 National Meet-Up in Ohio encourages participation and connection among members. Community support and shared journeys are central themes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and achievement.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 Chapter 13
Medal Monday highlights remarkable achievements from members of the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Participants share their recent experiences at the Sydney Marathon and other races, emphasizing personal milestones, weather conditions, and course challenges. Many runners celebrated significant anniversaries and accomplishments, fostering a strong sense of community and support among runners.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 Chapter 7
The recent Medal Monday highlighted significant achievements within the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics community. Members like Alexis Davidson and Brenda Folkerts shared inspiring milestones, such as completing 500 marathons and fostering community spirit. Many runners embraced challenges, pursued personal bests, and encouraged others, showcasing resilience and dedication to their passion for running.