Ira Gardner, 45, of Jamaica, NY is the first official Half2Run finisher. He completed his 25th state and 39th half marathon at The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon in West Virginia.

"I finished my 39th half marathon in the 25th different state in a time of 2:06 on a very hot humid morning," Gardner said. "There was a big hill in the beginning of the 12th mile but there was great support on the course with 17 water stops and Gatorade. There was a good pasta party Friday night, post race pizza lunch, good shirt and a medal all for a $25 entry fee. I had an excellent time meeting fellow Half2Run members who had come from Michigan: Diane & Linda. The support for a small town race was great."

Half2Run first opened in early November 2004, and today has more than 500 members representing 45 states and Canada. People joined for various reasons, but the most common reason was motivation to keep running or walking half marathons.

"I love the program and it's just the type of thing that I need to help me let running enable a true change in lifestyle that my body so desperately needs." -Diana, MI

"My running buddies and I have been thinking of doing some road trip races. Now with half2run, we already have the next few races planned!" - Stacy, TX

"I was actually trying to do this on my own before I read an article about your club in the AARP magazine. I was really curious to find out if you welcomed walkers too and was pleasantly surprised that you do." - Christie, NC

Membership is a one-time fee of $9.95, even if it takes you 20 years! Members receive Half2Run finishers medal FREE after they complete the challenge and a Half2Run bumper sticker when they sign up. See the Web site www.half2run.com or contact susan@half2run.com for more information.