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What started as a family training run became Springfield's most spirited community event. 🏅 In this episode, Ted sits down with Alex Maloney and Chris Meister — the race directors behind the Happy Half Marathon — to tell the full story behind one of Springfield's most beloved annual traditions. In 2011, Alex's father Mike Maloney was diagnosed with cancer. The family trained for the Columbus Marathon to help raise money for his treatments. He passed before they could run. But instead of stopping, they started something. In 2012, the Happy Half Marathon was born — and it hasn't stopped since. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:00:00 — Welcome to Live From Springfield USA00:27 — The origin story: Mike Maloney, cancer, and a training run01:44 — COVID, going virtual, and surviving when others didn't02:21 — The original training run: Springfield High to Yellow Springs03:25 — How Mike's legacy shaped the race's mission05:01 — Why moving the race to downtown Springfield mattered06:33 — How the downtown move changed energy for businesses & spectators07:31 — Balancing elite competition with a party for everyone08:39 — The finish line, Mother Stewart's & Jazz and Blues Festival10:54 — How race funds get to the Springfield Regional Cancer Center11:35 — The volunteer story: 250–300 volunteers, nearly 1:1 ratio14:01 — The Kids Fun Run and next-generation runners15:22 — "On race weekend, Springfield feels like ___"16:46 — The drummer who ran the race and played the finish line stage17:58 — What's new and improving for 202619:24 — The full race route: Heritage Center → Westcott House → Wittenberg → Ridgewood → downtown23:51 — What to say to someone on the fence about registering25:02 — How to get involved: run, volunteer, or just show up25:48 — Race dates and events breakdown26:11 — Rapid fire: favorite post-race food, running playlist, finish line song29:41 — One word to describe Springfield: "Underrated"30:22 — Why they keep coming back to Springfield even though they've moved away --- 🗓️ RACE WEEKEND: AUGUST 7 & 8, 2025📦 Packet Pickup + Kids Fun Run — Friday, August 7th🏃 5K + Half Marathon — Saturday, August 8th🥞 Post-race pancake breakfast at Mother Stewart's🎷 Same weekend as the Jazz & Blues Festival 💛 All proceeds benefit the Springfield Regional Cancer Center --- 🌐 LINKS & INFO:Register, volunteer, or learn more: https://www.happyhalfmarathon.comFollow Happy Half Marathon: @HappyHalfMarathon on Facebook & Instagram --- 📺 ABOUT LIVE FROM SPRINGFIELD USA:Live From Springfield USA is your local podcast celebrating the stories, people, and moments that make Springfield, Ohio worth talking about. From community builders to local legends — we talk to the people making it happen. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📱 Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/livefromspringfieldusa🌐 More at: centercity.studio --- #HappyHalfMarathon #Springfield #ChooseHappy #LiveFromSpringfieldUSA #SpringfieldOhio #HalfMarathon #RunSpringfield #CommunityFirst #SpringfieldRegionalCancerCenter #Podcast #OnlyInSpringfield #OhioRunning #LocalPodcast #CommunityRace
