Last stop, Fargo: Virginia woman runs half marathon in all 50 states

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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