an epic journey
A Wilmington runner completes her quest to run marathons in all 50 states
by Mary Margaret McEachern
When she began running marathons after accepting a friend’s challenge, 60-year-old
Susan Warwick had no idea that her quest to gain fitness and improve health would
morph into an epic challenge spanning 22 years, replete with unique perspectives, fabu-lous
discoveries, and lifetime memories.
“Be it national park, national treasure, natural beauty or iconic venue, every state has
something to offer,” says Warwick.
Warwick has run 52 marathons, racing in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and
Paris.
Her first marathon, the Marine Corps race in D.C., was both exciting and humbling.
“Running through D.C., with its history and monuments, was inspiring; I get goose
bumps just thinking about that race,” she says.
Next came Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where Warwick qualified for the presti-gious
Boston Marathon. Boston, with its history, legendary spectator support, iconic
course, and participant camaraderie was among her favorites.
“After 15 marathons, I realized I hadn’t repeated any state. I knew others had goals
to run marathons in every state, but only after I discovered the Fifty States Marathon
Club, which certifies results and awards trophies to runners who complete the feat, did I
seriously contemplate the possibility for myself,” says Warwick.
She contemplated, then planned, trained and executed. Her most treasured memories
involve her husband, Steve, and other family members, who served as “support crew”
through the years. “Steve got tired of hearing me constantly talk of marathons, but he
enjoyed the travel, and started training himself,” she says.
He has completed five marathons, running his fifth on his 55th birthday in Maryland.
Certain races stand out as particularly memorable.
“Big Sur, California, was scenic with entertainment all along. Drums, tuxedo-clad
pianists, and, oh, the hills! The shoreline along Highway 1 was figuratively, and literally,
breathtaking,” Warwick says. “Bar Harbor, Maine, took place in Acadia National Park,
with its rolling hills among colorful fall leaves, and the ocean. I ate so much lobster, I
forgot to carbo-load.”
Little Rock had terrible weather — rain, sleet, freezing rain, thunderstorms. The
director officially canceled the race, but Warwick, alongside Steve, had already reached
Mile 19.
COURTESY OF MARATHONFOTO
COURTESY OF SUSAN WARWICK
Left: Susan Warwick started her marathon journey with the Marine Corps Marathon in
Washington, D.C. in 2000. Inset: Warwick received this medal at the Maui Oceanfront
Marathon in January 2022 after completing a marathon in all 50 states.
30 may 2022
WBM