FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Saturday is a big day for runners in the community.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the Fargo Marathon. For one Virginia woman, the race means a little more.

“This is really emotional for me because I didn’t know my friends were going to show up. I just really love and appreciate them,” Dawn Marshall says. “About 16 people have come out here to run or support me.”

When Marshall crosses the finish line Saturday morning, she will have run a half marathon in all 50 states. It’s taken her 11 years and it hasn’t been easy.

The 59-year-old is a cancer survivor. She continued her running journey through seven round of chemo treatments.

“This means a lot to me. There were days when I didn’t want to train. I’ve been out in the cold, snow, injured,” Marshall says. “There’s not a lot of people that have run in all 50 states. I’m here to say that regardless of what your ailments are, you can do it if you put your mind to it.”

Marshall is representing the group “Black Girls Run.” She says the best part of running is the people she meets along the way.

“Go out and do the best you can, even if it’s just walking. I just want people to know you can stay healthy regardless of your injuries or anything you’re dealing with,” Marshall adds. “The takeaway is get out and do the best you can.”

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Virginia L. Hunter, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Wolf Run Village.

Born December 16, 1934 in Williamsport, she was a daughter of the late John R. and Audrey (Miller) Coleman.

Ginny graduated from Williamsport High School. Her commitment to care and service led her to further her education at the Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her nursing credentials. Ginny’s career as a caring Registered Nurse spanned over four decades, during which she touched countless lives with her compassion and professionalism. She was deeply involved in mission work, participating in two significant medical mission trips, traveling to Haiti and Jamaica. Ginny was a member of Lycoming Valley Baptist Church.  

Those who knew Ginny will remember her as a loving individual who lived her faith through her actions. She found joy in horseback riding, playing Scrabble, and ballroom dancing.

Surviving are her three sons, Keith B. Downey (Susan), Steven A. Downey (Tamara), and Chris E. Downey (Kristin) all of Huntersville; three siblings, James Coleman (Edie), Charles Cowden (Sherry) and Barbara Lechler; four step-children, Keith Hunter (Christine), Kurt Hunter (Joyce), Kyle Hunter (Martha), and Kerri Shephard (Rev. Tim); many wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren; her first husband and father of her sons, Bernard L. Downey; and many nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl R. Hunter and infant daughter, Anna Downey.

A funeral service to honor Virginia’s life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 5 at Lycoming Valley Baptist Church, 4980 Lycoming Mall Road, Montoursville. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Virginia’s name may be made to Lycoming Valley Baptist Church, 4980 Lycoming Mall Road, Montoursville, PA 17754.

Online condolences may be made on Virginia’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com

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The Virginia Tech football team will begin a hectic month of June recruiting one day early on Friday, May 31. Head coach Brent Pry will host a three-star wide receiver from North Carolina.

Nasir Newkirk from Greensboro, N.C., and Dudley High School, will be in Blacksburg Friday for a visit. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Class of 2025 wide receiver received an offer from the Hokies on Oct. 31, 2023. That same day, he also got offers from Old Dominion, Liberty, Georgia, and Charolrre. Newkirk also has visits scheduled with Duke (June 7), Virginia (June 14), and Liberty (6/21) and expects to make a decision in July.

Pry has been making some strides in the Class of 2025 in terms of recruiting, especially within the state of Virginia, while also making recruiting in North Carolina a focal point as well.

Newkirk, who carries a composite ranking of 88 by 247Sports, is looking for a school that fits his, academically and for football. 

“I look forward to getting to know more about what Virginia Tech has to offer for both academics and football, as well as meeting some of the current players to get a good understanding of what it will be like if I decide to attend Virginia Tech I also want to continue to pick [wide receiver] coach (Fontel) Mine’s brain to see how he develops his receivers.”
“

– Nasir Newkirk

There should be no shortage of meeting current players in the wide receiver room at Virginia Tech with the retainment they got with Ali Jennings, Stephen Gosnell, Da’Quan Felton and Jaylin Lance all coming back for the 2024 season.

Newkirk released a Top 10 of Appalachian State, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia, Liberty, South Florida, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin on his X account back in April. As stated above, he still has scheduled visits with Duke, Liberty, and Virginia before he announces his decision.