Medal Monday stories from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, including Victoria Carroll’s 1,000th half, plus Berlin, Chicago and Steamtown race recaps.
Tag Archives: medal monday
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 15
Medal Monday stories from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, including Jun Ulama’s 333rd marathon and Hall of Fame induction, plus Chicago, Berlin, Lisbon and Long Beach race recaps.
Run Family at the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon
Before races, the Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family often takes a ‘Family Photo.’ They were spotted at the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 4, 2026, where they gathered for a quick group shot. This tradition highlights the camaraderie among runners and showcases their presence at races across the country. The photo and post were credited to Jennifer Clark, capturing a joyful moment shared by the running community.
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.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 14
Medal Monday showcased the inspiring achievements of members from the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Highlights included Pam Whittington’s 6 half marathons across three states, Charlene Mercer’s completion of 7 halves in 6 days, and Amy Sea’s participation in the Canada Army Run. Other notable accomplishments came from Amanda Keich, completing her 106th half in Seattle, while several others celebrated milestones, including 100-mile runs and participation in various marathons across North America. The sense of community among runners was evident throughout, with shared experiences fostering camaraderie.
Sunrise Over the Smoke: Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Katie Galvin shared her recent experience at the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon after a 13-hour drive with her dog to the Townsend/Great Smoky KOA, which she highly recommends. She attended the race expo and an evening 5k despite the hot and humid weather. On race day, they enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and the sounds of nature before competing in a challenging yet scenic half marathon. Katie completed the Black Bear Challenge and celebrated visiting her 31st state.
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.