Local Runner Will Hit Milestone in Baltimore Marathon
A 59-year-old Baltimore resident will celebrate her 100th marathon milestone this week in the city.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Running
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On October 17, 2026, 59-year-old LizNoel Duncan will complete her 100th full marathon at the Baltimore Marathon. This achievement marks the latest step in a multi-year effort that has taken her to 25 countries across six continents.
Why it matters
The achievement highlights the long-term health benefits of sustained, low-impact exercise and community-based fitness groups. Building a social network through physical activity, like the RIOT Squad, can support both physical fitness and mental well-being over decades.
Running 100 marathons covers a total of 2,620 miles, with fewer than 1% of the population participating in marathon events. This individual progress reflects a sustained regimen that began decades ago and continues to build toward a future goal of 200 marathons by age 80.
The players
LizNoel Duncan
A 59-year-old athlete who has completed marathons on six continents.
The RIOT Squad
A local running group formed 11 years ago to support health and personal well-being through communal exercise.
The details
Marathon running involves covering 26.2 miles in a single event, requiring significant cardiovascular endurance and musculoskeletal adaptation. By participating in local running groups like the RIOT Squad, runners often leverage social accountability to maintain training consistency. Over the last 11 years, this group model has helped members integrate health goals with personal social support.
Timeline
20 years ago: Duncan ran her second marathon in Baltimore.
11 years ago: The RIOT Squad running group started.
October 17, 2026: Duncan runs her 100th marathon in Baltimore.
Health Landscape
Long-distance endurance training sits at the extreme end of the population-level exercise spectrum, with less than 1% of the population engaging in marathon-length events. This accomplishment reflects a broader trend of aging adults utilizing endurance sports to maintain functional fitness.
Consistent group training can provide the social and physical support necessary to maintain long-term exercise habits. If you are interested in starting a training program, discussing a safe progression plan with your primary care physician is a recommended first step.
The takeaway
Longevity in endurance exercise often stems from consistent goal-setting and participation in supportive social groups. Tracking progress toward achievable milestones can help maintain physical health and mental motivation over the long term.
What happens next
LizNoel Duncan intends to complete the Barbados Marathon on her 60th birthday and continues to work toward the goal of completing a marathon in all 50 states.
Further reading
For more on staying active as you age, visit our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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