Micah Grafenstein-Kinzel achieved a personal goal in June, a challenge he gave himself 20 years ago. He can even tell you how many toenails he sacrificed to get there: close to 30.
“That’s a rough estimate,” he said with a smile.
Grafenstein-Kinzel ran a marathon in Helena, Mont., to join a relatively exclusive club of people who have completed a 26.2-mile course in all 50 states.
A plan he hatched after turning 30 and becoming a new father concluded when a large cheering section of family and supporters welcomed the 51-year-old from Minneapolis across the finish line.
An organization known as the “50 States Marathon Club” officially recognizes the accomplishment. Runners can join the club after finishing marathons in 10 states.
Grafenstein-Kinzel became the 68th club member from Minnesota to earn the distinction of completing the full circuit of 50 states. Roughly 1,900 club members worldwide have run all 50, though the number of finishers who haven’t applied for membership to have their feat recognized undoubtedly pushes the fantastic 50 number higher.
Grafenstein-Kinzel’s logbook underscores the undertaking.
Total miles run: 1,310.