Meet Laurie, a runner on an incredible mission: completing a half marathon in every state. 🏃‍♀️ With 48 of 50 states checked off, this journey began as a personal challenge inspired by her mom, who suffered a series of strokes. In 2003, she joined the American Stroke Association’s Train to End Stroke program, raising over $5,000 and earning the chance to run the Kona Marathon in Hawaii. Along the way, she made lifelong friends and discovered a love for running she never had growing up. Now, steadily working through all 50 states, she admits she’s gotten slower over the years, but finishing every race is what counts. Her favorite moments? Meeting incredible people, exploring new places, and soaking in courses like the Spokane Half Marathon, where rainy weather and challenging hills made the stunning views even more rewarding. Two more states to go, California and Alaska. 2026, here she comes!