Cyd Antang-Plotkin, Matt Johnston, and Karen Simmons have all achieved significant milestones in their running journeys by completing the challenge of finishing marathons in all 50 states. Cyd celebrated her second full round on May 15th, while Matt and Karen reached their 50 states completions on May 11th and May 8th, respectively. These achievements were all recognized during the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series. Congratulations to all three for their remarkable accomplishments in endurance running!
Tag Archives: half fanatics
1,000 Full Marathons! Congratulations Liz Gmerek
Liz Gmerek celebrated a remarkable milestone by completing her 1,000th full marathon at the Mainly Marathons Prairie Series on May 14, 2026. Surrounded by a supportive community, she has completed nearly 600 marathons with Mainly and an impressive 920 alongside Kevin Brosi. This achievement highlights not only her dedication but also the encouragement she received from her Mainly family during the journey. The event showcased a vibrant atmosphere, symbolized by a sea of pink that represented their love and support.
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!
Dollywood Half Marathon 2026 Race Report: Winning at Dollywood
Sadie Smith(MM12709) – I love Dolly Parton. Love her. I have loved her way back before it was cool to do so. So when my college friend, Nate Sweeney, posted about running the inaugural Dollywood half marathon, I rather over- enthusiastically jumped on that bandwagon. And much like Dolly herself, this morning was joyful andContinue reading “Dollywood Half Marathon 2026 Race Report: Winning at Dollywood”
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”
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.
Brooklyn NYCRUNS Half Marathon Recap
Tonisia Billups participated in the NYCRUNS Half Marathon in Brooklyn, noting key differences from the NYRR Brooklyn Half. She started in wave 4 at 9:00 AM, highlighting the race’s lack of friendliness for back-of-the-pack runners as only 1,500 finished behind her out of 28,000. Despite cold temperatures and rolling hills, she enjoyed the beautiful cherry blossoms at the finish in Prospect Park, although exiting required a long uphill walk. After the race, she celebrated with friends and recommended visiting the High Line and Little Island in Brooklyn.
From 2006 to Now – Finishing My 6th Half Since Starting Over
Jennifer Champagne Saunders shares her journey back to long distance running after a nearly 20-year hiatus caused by foot surgery, relocation, and family commitments. After the loss of her mother, she rekindled her passion for running, completing six half marathons in under six months. Emphasizing gratitude, she cherishes the supportive community, the moments of joy during the races, and the police and volunteers who ensure safety. Though her pace has slowed, she remains thankful for the experience and looks forward to future events, particularly the HF meetup in January.