Keenan Haga (MM9947) has achieved an impressive milestone by completing the 50 states for the eighth time during the Mainly Marathons Alaska Series. This accomplishment marks a significant moment in Haga’s running journey, showcasing his dedication and passion for marathon running across the United States. The event highlights not only the achievement but also the spirit of endurance and perseverance in long-distance running. Kudos to Haga for reaching this remarkable feat at the Mainly Marathons. Photo and post credited to Mainly Marathons.
Tag Archives: race report
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.
Medal Monday Magic: Sri Chinmoy Half
Julia K Garling shares her experience of completing her 10th Sri Chinmoy half marathon in Queens, NY, where she placed third in her age group. After a 5-week break to heal, she enjoyed a slower race in the typical summer humidity. Garling expressed gratitude for this event’s convenience compared to longer travel for races and highlighted the joy of reconnecting with an old friend. She emphasized the essence of running as a personal journey rather than just competition.
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.
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.
From “I’ll Never Run a Marathon” to 250th Marathon
Bob Strauss(MM7421) – Would my 250th marathon feel any different? Would it be any easier? A majority of the Maritime Marathon miles are run right along Lake Michigan. Pelicans were out in force as were families enjoying some beach time. Lovers of nature consistently rate this as a beautiful course and I agree.I had theContinue reading “From “I’ll Never Run a Marathon” to 250th Marathon”
At the Sri Chinmoy Midnight Marathon
Alexis Davidson celebrated an eventful 80th birthday by participating in the Midnight Marathon during the Sri Chinmoy 24HR/12HR/M/HM event. This marked her first June marathon with Sri Chinmoy and sixth overall at Rockland Lake. Despite initially feeling sleepy, she maintained consistent lap times and completed the run on a flat course with a sub 5:47 finish. The experience was enhanced by good weather and the excitement of learning about the Knicks’ win afterward. Overall, it was a fulfilling marathon experience.
Mad Marathon Mastery: Grabbing State 40 the Hard Way
Rick Albanese completed the Mad Marathon in Vermont, a race he had long anticipated. Endorsed by Chuck Engle, the atmosphere was enhanced by a wonderful pre-race dinner and camaraderie. Despite feeling underprepared due to a brief training cycle, Albanese relied on his experience and resilience from overcoming cancer. The challenging course, featuring steep ascents and descents, tested him, particularly as the heat affected his performance. Although he lost his sub-5-hour goal, he finished strong and felt proud of his accomplishment.
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.
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.