Dana Pistole celebrates completing her seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors event, expressing gratitude for the support she received from Jan Morris Gronemeyer and her family during the race. Highlighting the sense of community, she appreciates her son’s gesture of providing her with a burger during the event. Dana also extends thanks to her donors from Smile Train, recalling a wonderful breakfast meetup the day before the marathon. She emphasizes the joy of these experiences as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Tag Archives: half fanatics
Distances for Everyone: Anchorage RunFest
Alaska Ambassador Tina Torun recaps Anchorage RunFest: distances from a kids 2K to a 49K ultra, PRs, a new ultra course record, and hills at every finish.
New Maniac Alert: Kat Krogstadt Joins Marathon Maniacs
Tina Torun welcomes Kat Krogstadt as the latest member of the Marathon Maniacs after her participation in Humpy’s Marathon. During the bib pick-up, Tina and Brenda Folkerts, a Marathon pacer, discussed Marathon Maniac qualifications of completing three marathons in 90 days. Realizing she qualifies, Kat expressed her ambition to reach a goal of 100 marathons. The post showcases community support and excitement for new members, highlighting the camaraderie among marathon runners. Photo credits go to Tina Torun.
Sydney Marathon 2026: Land Down Under Major
Julia K Garling reflects on her recent experience at the Sydney Marathon, emphasizing the power of desire and gratitude. Despite the challenges posed by the hilly terrain, she found joy in crossing the finish line among over 40,000 participants. This event, part of the World Marathon Majors, rekindled her love for marathoning after a brief training hiatus. Garling celebrates her journey, noting that marathoning mirrors life; the effort invested leads to fulfillment. With 349 marathons completed, she cherishes the memories created with friends and the lessons learned.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 13
Medal Monday highlights remarkable achievements from members of the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Stories include Cheryl Ebert Crooks celebrating Kristin McLendon’s impressive sub-4 marathon, Carla Champ completing the Marquette Marathon, and Devesh Khatu finishing his second Hyderabad Marathon. New member Kat Krogstadt joined during Humpy’s Marathon, while Tina Torun discussed the lively Anchorage RunFest, raising funds for local scholarships. Notable experiences also came from a successful Dog Days Ultramarathon and Rachel’s rainy race in Van Nuys. Each story emphasizes camaraderie, resilience, and the joy of running.
Across the Golden Gate: A San Francisco Marathon 2026 Recap
Christine Murasaki Ainsworth successfully completed her 82nd marathon at the San Francisco Marathon on July 26, 2026. The scenic yet hilly 26.2-mile course featured perfect weather and iconic views, including two crossings over the Golden Gate Bridge. Ainsworth faced challenges with foot pain and double vision but managed to finish without significant issues. Despite the tough climbs and steep descents, she found the experience rewarding and has already signed up for next year’s race, celebrating the marathon’s 50th anniversary.
Midnight on the Extraterrestrial Highway: ET Full Moon Marathon
Hank OnThe Hill ran the 20th Extraterrestrial Full Moon Marathon in Rachel, NV, starting at midnight, for marathon #123 and state #43 of his second round.
Run Family at the Anchorage RunFest
Before a race, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running families take a moment to capture a ‘Family Photo.’ This tradition was upheld at the Anchorage RunFest in Anchorage, AK, on August 16, 2026, where members gathered for a quick group shot. The event highlights the spirit and camaraderie among runners in this nationwide community, showcasing their commitment to both running and togetherness. Photo and post credit go to Tina Torun.
300th Marathon Complete
Ann Merfeld (MM9494, DA817, HF8455) celebrated a remarkable milestone by completing her 300th marathon during the Mainly Marathons Summer Camp Series on July 19, 2026. This achievement highlights her dedication and endurance in the sport of marathon running. The event is a significant marker in her athletic journey, showcasing not only her commitment but also the supportive community surrounding primarily marathons. Photo credit for this memorable moment goes to Mainly Marathons.
11th 50 States Journey Complete
Jun Ulama congratulates his friend Glen Anderson for completing the 50 States Marathon challenge for the 11th time in Montana on August 1, 2026. The Yellowstone Trail Marathon, featuring a challenging 6,600 ft elevation on ski trails, was a unique experience. Glen’s wife, Karen, participated, marking Montana as her 49th state in her eighth round. Ulama also completed his fifth round with Montana as state 38. The event required competitors to carry bear spray due to wildlife. The day ended with the three enjoying their first rodeo together, celebrating a memorable experience.