Local long-distance runner completes a marathon in all 50 states

CAZENOVIA — Former Cazenovia resident and longtime Cazenovia Children’s House (CCH) director Penny Noll recently accomplished her goal of running a marathon in every state in the country by 2025.

The long-distance runner finished her 50th state marathon and 61st marathon on Sept. 29 in Keene, New Hampshire, at age 72.

Noll, who moved to Camillus last year, worked for CCH for 27 years before retiring in 2015.

She started running 20 years ago while helping CCH and the community organize Cazenovia’s first Annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk.

Founded in 1970, CCH is an early learning and childcare center that serves families in the greater Cazenovia area. The annual Chilly Chili race, typically held each January, is the organization’s biggest fundraiser.

Noll ran her first marathon, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, in 2006.

“My first marathon in Toronto was lonely, and, of course, I had no experience in how to hydrate or pace myself physically and mentally for 26.2 miles,” she recalled. “My longest training run was eighteen miles.”

In 2010, Noll learned about the 50 State Marathon Club, a non-profit organization whose members share the common goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. To join, a runner must have completed a marathon in at least 10 states. According to its website, the organization has 5,361 members in all 50 states, DC, and 21 foreign countries. Its members have run a combined total of more than 378,000 marathons.

Noll said her favorite aspects of marathon running are the people, the travel, and the challenge of achieving big physical goals.

“I felt a multitude of feelings — ecstatic, proud, exhausted, energized, and amazed,” she stated when remembering the moment she achieved her goal. “My 50th state marathon was a perfect experience. I was confident in my pre-race training and race-day routines. [Friends ran with me] at various miles along the course, my son came from North Dakota to help me, friends made cheer signs and met me throughout the race, and strangers called out my name and cheered. Pushing my friend from Utah [in a wheelchair] down the final stretch of friends and family was so joyous.”

To learn more about the 50 State Marathon Club, visit 50statesmarathonclub.com.