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Jerry Rief

Jerry Rief

Wyoming, United States

Jerry Rief is an American marathon runner who completed a sub-3 marathon in every US state and Washington, D.C. over a 27-year period, finishing the challenge on his 50th birthday at the Houston Marathon.

Jerry Rief running a road race in a yellow Laramie, Wyoming track-club vest and cap, mid-stride on a city street with spectators and buildings blurred in the background.

How Jerry Rief ran sub-3 marathons in every US state

Over 27 years, Jerry Rief completed sub-3 marathons in all 50 US states and Washington, D.C., averaging 2:49 while rarely racing more than three times a year. In this Q&A, he explains how patience, restraint and consistency made the project possible.