Please welcome Lisa Brandt running in her 50th state- 25 States Half marathon and 25 States Marathon. Here is her runner story:
I ran a lot in as a child and teenager in St. Louis, MO where I grew up before joining the Air Force. As an adult, I had a goal of running a marathon before my 40th birthday. I finally met that goal by completing the Chicago Marathon in 2025 where I met a runner who had just completed his 50th State. I was in awe of his accomplishment but didn’t realize I, too, had been bitten by the marathon bug. Two of my dear friends and my spouse were there and will be in Alaska too to join in celebrating this accomplishment. Since then, I have run two 50k ultra marathons, 42 marathons including Boston and the other 6 World Marathon Majors, and more than 100 half marathons. A few years ago, my goal of completing a marathon in all 50 States had to change due to some challenges. A good friend and mentor suggested that I could change my goal. And so, I did. My goal became completing a half or full marathon in all 50 States.
We now live in Southern Illinois, and my 50 State journey will be accomplished in Alaska by running a half marathon in 25 States and a full marathon in 25 States joined by just about every person who has supported, encouraged and accompanied me along the way. I’m super excited and feel very blessed to reach this milestone!!!
