He Ran 50 Marathons in All 50 States (And Over 140 Marathons Total)

What does it take to run 50 marathons in all 50 states… and keep going?
In this episode of Runnah, I sit down with ultramarathoner Brian Patrick Mulligan, a runner who has completed the legendary 50-state marathon challenge and run over 140 marathons during a decades-long endurance journey.
Brian is also a member of Front Runners Rhode Island, and in this conversation we dive into:
• What inspired him to start chasing marathons across all 50 states
• The mental toughness required to stay committed for decades
• Lessons from ultramarathons and long-distance racing
• The community and camaraderie that keeps runners coming back
• Why the journey matters more than the finish time
Brian’s story is also captured in a powerful mini-documentary about his journey to finish the 50-state challenge after nearly 30 years of endurance running and more than 140 marathons.
If you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a big running goal, or just love hearing stories from runners who keep showing up year after year—this episode is for you.
🎬 Watch Brian’s Documentary: youtube.com/watch?v=t7v6gag0348🎙 About Runnah
Runnah is a podcast celebrating the running community and the people who make it special—from elite athletes to everyday runners chasing big goals. Hosted by Cape Cod runner, announcer, and podcast host Julianna Coughlin, the show explores race culture, marathon stories, and the magic of the running community.
📬 Contact Runnah
Email: runnahpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @runnahpodcast