50 states, 50 marathons, one goal

Only three weeks after running five marathons in five states in five days (Montana, the Dakotas, Wyoming and Nebraska), Stephanie Thompson will step onto an airplane and head to Chicago this week to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Shortly after graduating from military college in Vermont and serving four years as a naval officer, including an eight-month employment in the Gulf, Thompson made it a goal to not only run a marathon on every continent (five so far), but also to run a marathon in each U.S. state. As she crosses the finish line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this Sunday, she will accomplish this goal.

“It’s going to be a momentous occasion. Crossing the finish line in Chicago marks the culmination of years of hard work – the training, the tears and the commitment,” said Thompson. “This is a big year for me as I will also be completing my masters in Marine Science and Technology in December. To finish all 50 states and then graduate, it’s the closing of a chapter, but also a beginning of a new one.”

When Thompson takes her place for the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, it will be her first time in Chicago. As Thompson’s parents have yet to see her compete, it was very important for her to choose a location that was easily accessible, especially for her father who has had health issues as a result of polio.

Thompson greatly looks forward to visiting the city and taking part in this world-class event.

“I’ve heard such great things about the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Not only is it a flat course weaving through numerous neighborhoods, it is a huge race and weather-wise, it’s the perfect time of year,” she said. “I plan to wear state number 50 all over my clothes. Hearing how encouraging the Bank of America Chicago Marathon crowd is, and knowing the race draws runners and spectators from all over the world, I hope it will draw a crowd and calls of support.”