Sadie Smith wins Steamtown in 2:52:31, becoming its oldest winner and adding her 44th sub-three-hour state on a rainy, memorable race day.
Tag Archives: 50 states
Mountain Views and Marathon Miles in Wyoming
Lea Reyes completes marathon 141 in her 32nd state in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, enjoying mountain views before exploring the Tetons and Yellowstone.
Meet Club Member: Melinda Langlois
Melinda Langlois, a breast cancer survivor, transformed her life through running after her diagnosis in 2012. Initially using running as a coping mechanism for depression, it evolved into a deep passion and a path to healing. She joined the San Francisco Road Runners Club, completed multiple marathons, and achieved significant milestones, including running on all seven continents and finishing marathons in all 50 states. Melinda emphasizes that her journey was about reclaiming her life and encourages others facing challenges that strength can be found by taking the first step.
A Cold Start & Brutal Hills at the Garmin Kansas City Half
This weekend, I participated in the Garmin Kansas City Marathon after months of anticipation. Arriving from Columbus, I spent Friday exploring local attractions, including the American Jazz Museum. On race day, cold temperatures and challenging hills influenced my decision to skip the full marathon, feeling unprepared due to recent health issues. Despite this, I enjoyed reconnecting with running friends. My return flight faced significant delays, but Southwest kindly changed my itinerary, allowing me to arrive home five hours early. This marks my 33rd half marathon, with Missouri being my thirteenth state.
Charm City Finish: A 50-State Finale in Baltimore
Tonisia Billups recently completed her 50th half marathon in 50 states at the Baltimore Run Fest Half Marathon on October 17. Traveling from Jacksonville to Baltimore via Southwest Airlines, she stayed at an Airbnb and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace, conveniently located near the start/finish line. Although the race started early at 9:30 AM, she had ample time to relax before running. Billups described the hilly course, emphasizing the constant uphill terrain. Achieving this milestone with friends, she finished the race in 2:43, celebrating her accomplishment.
Red-Eye to the Start Line: A Cape Cod Half Adventure
Tonisia Billups shared her experiences from the Cape Cod Half Marathon weekend, detailing her travel logistics amidst work commitments. She flew into Providence, Rhode Island, rented a car from Hertz after a delayed flight, and drove to Massachusetts for the Saturday race. Despite logistical challenges, she enjoyed the scenic coastal course, though it was open to traffic. After the race, she celebrated with clam chowder and an impromptu trip to Martha’s Vineyard, marking state #48. The overall experience was a mix of excitement and high-stress travel.
Coastal Finish & State #49 at the Amica Newport Half
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.
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.
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.