I ran this country. One half marathon at a time.
Some runners chase a PR. Others chase a map. This is the story of a sign we carved for a runner on a mission to run a half marathon in every state, and why a goal that big deserves a wall that's just as big.
50 in 50 by 50
Look closely at the nameplate on this sign and you'll find three numbers that say everything: 50 in 50 by 50. Fifty half marathons, in fifty states, by fifty years old.
It's one of the boldest goals in running. It takes years of planning, plane tickets, early alarms in hotel rooms and start lines in places you've never been. Every state brings a new course, a new crowd and a new medal. And every one of those medals deserves a spot that says I was there.
So when we were asked to build a display for this journey, we wanted something that does more than hold medals. We wanted it to track the mission, so every empty peg is a reminder of what's next and every full one is proof of what's done.
Up close: every detail is carved
This isn't a print or a sticker. Every letter, star and stripe is carved into solid pine, so the natural wood glows through a deep black stain. Run your hand across it and you can feel the depth.
Halfway there. How it works on the wall.
The idea is simple. Finish a race, come home and hang that medal on the peg for that state. Fifty states plus Washington, D.C. means 51 pegs, laid out so you can see your progress at a glance.
Run the state
Cross the finish line and collect your medal.
Find its peg
Every state is carved right above its own peg.
Hang it up
One more state done. Watch the board fill up.
Plan the next one
The empty pegs keep the goal in sight.
Make it yours
Mile 20 is where every runner's race gets personal, and so does this sign. The one in these photos was made for one runner and her goal. Yours can say whatever your journey is.
Put it on the nameplate
"Tammy's 50 in 50 by 50" can become your name and your goal.
Half, full or 5K
Swap "One Half Marathon at a Time" for marathon, 10K or any distance you're chasing.
50 or 51
Choose 50 pegs for the states, or 51 to add Washington, D.C.
See it first
We email a 3D proof so you can approve every word before we carve.
What does "50 in 50 by 50" mean?
It's a running goal: complete a race in all 50 U.S. states before turning 50. Many runners do it with half marathons, others with full marathons.
Can I change the wording on the sign?
Yes. Your name, your goal and the distance can all be customized, and you'll approve a 3D proof before we carve it.
Does it include Washington, D.C.?
Choose the 51-peg option and D.C. gets its own peg, just like the sign in these photos.
What is it made of?
Pine wood with a black stain front, sealed with indoor polyurethane. It comes ready to hang and is made in the USA.
Run the country. Hang the proof.
Whether you've got three states down or forty-nine, it's never too early or too late to give your medals a map. Tell us your goal and we'll carve it.
CREATE YOUR 50 STATES DISPLAY