Runner Celebrates 50 Marathons in 50 States

Finishing a marathon is a great accomplishment.

Finishing 50 marathons is astounding.

Finishing 50 marathons in nine years, post-retirement, is unheard of.

But, that's exactly what 66-year-old Massoud Messkoub did after finishing his career as Director of Risk and Claims Management at Maersk Inc., in Giralda Farms.

On Dec. 28, friends and family members celebrated the completion of Messkoub's 50th marathon–on Dec. 11 in Honolulu–with a party at , where Messkoub is now a part-time consultant.

According to Messkoub, of Morris Township, Honolulu was actually his 53rd marathon since turning 57. It did, however, complete his quest to race in every state in the U.S.

It began with some shorter runs, a couple miles, then a couple miles more. With a little encouragement and the realization the lifelong fitness buff could definitely run longer and longer distances, "one thing lead to another."

It started with Philadelphia in October 2002. Then, there was Boston, then New York. "By 10, 15 (marathons), I figured I may as well do them all," said Messkoub, a native of Iran.

Of course, while running may be free, entrance fees, hotels and plane tickets aren't. During a toast at the store, Messkoub thanked his family, especially his wife Bibi, for their patience and support. "Without her, none of this would be possible," he said. "Remember, 'happy wife, happy life.' Remember, guys!"

Heather Gardiner, manager of the Morristown Running Company, joined Messkoub in Honolulu, running several miles with him on the circuit.

"He saved Hawaii for last," she said. "He was very emotional at the end. It was very touching."

Bibi Messkoub, the runner's wife of 40 years, was waiting for him at the end of that 50th (53rd) marathon.

"We've always enjoyed the outdoors," she said. Bibi Messkoub noted, however, a back injury her husband suffered about 20 years ago. It had gotten so severe, Bibi said, Massoud had even been in a wheelchair.

"The interesting part to this is, not only didn't the running injure him, he's in the best shape he's ever been in," she said.

David Cupo, one of Messkoub's running partners, started running with Messkoub eight years ago. "He keeps pulling people in," Cupo said. "It's like a shepherd pulling in his flock."

Messkoub smiled. "This is what happens when you run with a great group of people," he said. "Without friends, this is a boring sport. It would not have been fun without the people I have ran with. It's what keeps you going."

So, with more than 50 marathons under his belt, what's next for the 66-year-old? "I would like to do the 70th marathon on my 70th birthday," he said. "Then, maybe I'll slow down."