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.
Tag Archives: medalmonday
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.
Lightning, Rain, and 33.6 Miles at the Goose Bumps 24 Hour Run
Tim Mullican (MM7665) covered 33.6 miles at the Goose Bumps 6 and 24 hour run on Goose Island near La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early Saturday rain dumped 4.5 to 5 inches, and lightning closed the course for nearly five hours. No time was added back, and there was no medal. The run was the reward.
Buckle Earned: Brenda Folkerts’ First 100 at Ultra Fest
Brenda Folkerts (MM15695, DA3674, HF18068) finished her first 100-miler at Ultra Fest in Easton, Washington, a day she had planned for five years. Pacers, crew, and her husband got her to the buckle after doctors said rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and POTS would keep her from it. She is calling it one and done, with 100K as her new max while she works on 50 states.
Donuts, Trolls, and State 49 at the Boring Marathon
Debby Cannon (MM15148) ran the Boring Marathon for marathon #238 and state #49. A late flight meant she missed the early start, so she ran the double out-and-back mostly on her own, passing friends on the trail and hitting aid stations stocked with donuts, Goldfish, and candy.
Lifetime Half #267: Randy Riley at the Akron Marathon Half
Randy Riley ran the hilly Akron Marathon Half for lifetime half #267, finishing in 2:41:55, three minutes ahead of his goal and third in his age group.
Back Where It Started: Ed Toews at the Queen City Marathon
Ed Toews (MM9501, DA3146, HF16852) returned to the Queen City Marathon, his first marathon back in 2012, and finished in 5:59, just inside the 6-hour cutoff. Mostly speed walking, a tight finish after a little back trouble, and a reminder that today was not the day he could not do this.
Goal Met at Altitude
Devesh Khatu (MM10488) finished the Ladakh Marathon, his 174th marathon and the highest he has run at 11,155 feet. He also hit his 2026 goal of 12 marathons in a year. Altitude made him about 25 minutes slower than Hyderabad two weeks earlier, but the weather was perfect, and he plans to go back for this race or one of their ultras.