Before the race, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family captured a ‘Family Photo’ at the Galloping Gertie Half Marathon in Gig Harbor, WA, on August 1, 2026. This group shot, taken to commemorate the moment, highlights their camaraderie and shared passion for running, as they are often seen at races across the country. The post is credited to Gregory Rouson, who shares this memorable experience with fellow enthusiasts.
Tag Archives: Half Marathon
Bad Bass Half Marathon Recap: “Probably Killed a Few Toenails”
Lynne Kilirnr recently completed the Bad Bass half marathon, a challenging course featuring steep hills. To meet two crucial checkpoints, she started early, taking her time to enjoy the scenery despite suffering from sore knees and some toenail damage. Prior to the race, she had been helping her mother recover from a fall, which contributed to her own back pain. Ultimately, she enjoyed running alongside her friend Chau Smith and participating in the event after volunteering to help set up.
Leveling up to Venus
Congratulations to Donna Sarasin for achieving the Half Fanatics Venus Level at the Town & Country half marathon in Newburyport, MA. She accomplished this remarkable milestone by completing 13 half marathons within 79 calendar days, marking her 155th half marathon overall. This accomplishment highlights her dedication and commitment to long-distance running. For those interested in the criteria for leveling up within the Half Fanatics organization, additional information can be found through the provided link.
Fueled by Fine Wine Half: Vines, Views & 2,100 Feet
Gregg LeBlanc celebrated his 12th participation in the Fueled By Fine Wine Half Marathon on July 12, 2026, having first run it in 2012. While he appreciates the race’s beautiful vineyard scenery, he admits a dislike for trail running due to its rugged terrain, which features over 2,100 feet of elevation gain. Despite the challenges, he enjoyed sipping rosé at the fueling stations and reconnecting with fellow runners throughout the event, capturing the essence of this love-hate relationship with the race.
Chasing the Iconic Prince Medal at Summer Camp
Tahira Bland participated in her 85th lifetime half marathon as part of Mainly Marathons’ Summer Camp in Minnesota, motivated by a Prince-themed medal. This marks her third race in Minnesota, occurring about an hour from Minneapolis, and is the first of a four-race series celebrating the end of the season. The course featured scenic views on crushed gravel, with ample shade. She enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow runners and appreciated the event swag. Tahira looks forward to her next race, the Madison Mini-Marathon.
Celebrating the End of a 50 States Journey
Tim Mahaffey, identified by codes HF18276, DA3585, and MM13844, successfully completed his 50th state for half marathons. Meanwhile, Lisa Rice Seidel, associated with HF6155, DA699, and MM9014, achieved her third round of 50 states during the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series on July 17th in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Both runners were celebrated for their accomplishments, marking significant milestones in their marathon journeys. The event highlights the dedication of participants in long-distance running challenges. Photo and post credits go to Mainly Marathons.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 11
Medal Monday showcases inspiring achievements from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Recent highlights include Tahira Bland running her 85th Half Marathon in Minnesota, Amy Sea completing her 225th Half amidst challenging air quality in NY, and Pam Whittington participating in a series across seven states. Dr. Bryon Solberg completed his 50th state milestone and was inducted as a Mainly Marathons Legend. Each runner shared personal stories about their experiences, races, and the supportive community, celebrating both personal and collaborative accomplishments in running.
Nothing Flat About This One! RiverRoad Half Marathon
Tonisia Billups discusses her experience at the Hatfield & McCoy Half Marathon in West Virginia. Traveling from Jacksonville to Matewan, she notes logistical challenges, especially with limited hotel options near the race. Despite the heat, humidity, and hilly terrain, she enjoyed the race, choosing the RiverRoad Half, which was unexpectedly tough. The race offers fruit at fuel stations, which helped her during hotter moments. While there was minimal spectator support, she recommended the race with caution and appreciated the message at Pikeville University before her return.
Jennifer & David Clark Celebrate Loony & Little Loony Legend
Jennifer Clark recounts her extensive running achievements in a late Medal Monday post. She completed the Mainly Marathon Impendence Series, finishing with races in NJ and NY, and then switched to the New England Series, taking part in a Half Marathon and a 5K across multiple states. This marked her achievement of becoming a Loony Legend, with a total of 422 Half Marathons. The post also highlights a celebratory ceremony, including a cake and signs, and recognizes David for his own running accomplishments.
Scenic Lake Superior to Shaded Winnipeg: Amy Sea’s Cross-Border Half Marathon Double
Amy Sea recapped her memorable weekend of running, completing two half marathons in the USA and Canada. She participated in Grandma’s Half in Duluth, MN, which celebrated its 50th anniversary with great organization and scenic views of Lake Superior, achieving her first back-to-back sub-3 hours finishes since 2021. The Manitoba Half in Winnipeg, while less iconic, was also well-organized and fast, providing a friendly atmosphere for runners. She recommends both races with some logistical considerations for participants.