The organizers of the Magnolia Marathon & Half would like to take this opportunity to
wholeheartedly express our gratitude to every sponsor, volunteer, participant, spectator,
vendor and friend who supported our annual event since 2012 when the original event,
named the LEO Run to Remember, became a reality. Your support is the PRIMARY
factor that kept this small town event happening for 10 wonderful years.
Our 10th Anniversary event in November of 2022 was amazing. The organizers were
and still are amazed that we were able to “pull off” a successful event for so long,
despite the big and small challenges that have plagued our community and the nation
these last few years.
It is with great regret, but not without serious consideration and debate, that we have
decided to retire The Magnolia Marathon & Half. We are a very small group of
passionate community members who have given this event 10 years of literal blood
(those pop-up tents pinch HARD!), many many hours of sweat (and some really COLD
days too!), and more tears than you would expect (mainly from me!).
We are forever grateful for the kind words and amazing feedback that we have received
over these 10 years. We definitely hear you. We will all miss this event too.
During the years we’ve organized this event, we have made long lasting friendships,
lost a few unforgettable ones, and strengthened our resolve in many many ways.
The truth is we are tired. Each one of us gave 100000%. Every day, for months and
months, and then even more on the longest day - race day - to make this event into
the success that you have told us it was. We do not want to risk letting you down by
attempting to continue on a low fuel tank.
We love each and every one of you. And again, we cannot express in words how
truly grateful and humbled we are by your dedication and support.
Evelyn Kowall
Race Director
