Before starting a race, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running families take a ‘Family Photo’ whenever possible. They were recently spotted taking a group picture before the Hatfield McCoy Marathon Weekend, which is scheduled to take place in Williamson, West Virginia on June 12-13, 2026. This tradition signifies the camaraderie and spirit of these running communities as they prepare for events across the nation.
Tag Archives: Distance Running
600th Marathon Complete
Keenan Haga (MM9947) celebrated a remarkable achievement by completing his 600th marathon at the Mainly Marathons Independence Series on June 5th in Stonersville, PA. Notably, more than a third of his marathons have been 50K or longer, showcasing his dedication and endurance in long-distance running. This milestone underscores Haga’s commitment to the sport, and the running community congratulates him on this impressive accomplishment. Photo and post credits go to Mainly Marathons.
2026 Marathon Maniacs Hall of Fame Inductee Heather Zeigler
Congratulations to Heather Ziegler (MM3086) for being a 2026 inductee into the Marathon Maniacs Hall of Fame. Congratulations and welcome to the class of 2026! She reached Hall of Fame Eligibility by completing 333 – Lifetime Marathons / Ultras. The criteria to be eligible for the Hall of Fame can be found here Heather Ziegler (MM3086)–Continue reading “2026 Marathon Maniacs Hall of Fame Inductee Heather Zeigler”
Half Fanatics Sun Status Achieved: Mitch Montgomery Hits Milestone
Mitch Montgomery (HF18443) has achieved Sun Status in the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series on May 9, 2026. To attain this status with the Half Fanatics, runners must complete either 52 half marathons within a year or 30 half marathons across 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces within the same timeframe. For more details on the criteria, visit the Half Fanatics website. Congratulations to Mitch!
London Marathon 2026 Pacing Experience – My 21st World Major
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – Today’s run pacing the London Marathon. This was such a fun event, but very crowded and warm today. I had the pleasure of pacing, chatting with, and cheering on so many runners. This is an event like no other and it was quite an honor to be included on this great paceContinue reading “London Marathon 2026 Pacing Experience – My 21st World Major”
Meet Merry Mullins, MM 15936
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.
Run Family at the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and Half Marathon
Prior to the start of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA, on March 22, 2026, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family took a group photo. This tradition of capturing a “Family Photo” is a common practice among members of this running community, which participates in races across the country. The moment was documented by Gregory Rouson, highlighting the camaraderie and spirit of the event.
Run Family at the Zydeco Marathon/Half Marathon
Before the start of a race, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family makes it a tradition to take a ‘Family Photo.’ On March 8, 2026, they gathered for a quick group picture at the Zydeco Marathon/Half Marathon in Lafayette, LA. This event highlights their presence at races across the nation, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit within their community. The photo was credited to Jennifer Clark, capturing this special moment before the race began.
Hagg Mud 50K: One of the Muddiest Ever
Steve Walters shares his experience at the 13th Hagg Mud 50k, noting it was one of the muddiest races he has attended. He encountered challenging sections of sucking mud, particularly on the second loop. Adjusting his expectations, he took a slow and careful pace due to his limited recent trail running and a lack of confidence. Despite the tough conditions, he finished without falling, celebrating this as a personal victory in his 227th ultra marathon and 586th overall marathon/ultra.
Palm Desert Half #216: Perfect Day, Great Company, Consecutive Bibs!
Lea Reyes completed her 216th half marathon in Palm Desert, a race she had never participated in before, encouraged by Karen A Flynn. The event was affordable and provided a nice getaway. After driving in the previous night, Lea enjoyed perfect running weather and a wide course that minimized contact with other runners. She ran with Karen almost the entire time, except for brief stops. The race concluded with cheers from the crowd. Next, she plans to participate in the Yeti marathon in Springfield, MO.