Holly Koester a retired Army captain who was paralyzed during Operation Desert Storm, has been racing in marathons since 1995. She joined the 50 States Marathon Club in 2005 and finished racing in all 50 states in 2008. Holly has raced in more than 175 races and is still going. She has won many medals at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and was induced into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The Air Force and Marine Corps marathons are her two favorites, because she gets to be with her “brothers and sisters in the military” in those races.

Holly just recently completed the two-day, 150-mile Bike MS Buckey Breakaway (formerly Pedal to the Point) race, wherein she rode from Berea to Sandusky, Ohio, to show awareness for multiple sclerosis. Holly’s training is extensive and exhausting, but she is strong, dedicated and would never think of quitting. Her training consists of riding 22-25 miles per day at least three days per week, which she finishes in two hours, 10 minutes.

Holly’s twin sister Joy (retired Army colonel) and KC (retired Marine) have been training with Holly since the beginning of Holly’s racing career. KC is an Auxiliary member of Rood-Williams Unit 271 in Tequesta, Fla., and loves helping Holly with her training. Both Joy and KC run beside Holly in many of her races. This is a family of veterans who have not only served their country but continue to dedicate themselves to helping others.

Holly is now training for the Appalachian series, which will be held March 22-28, 2024. The Appalachian marathon consists of racing in seven marathons in seven states in seven days. Holly is a remarkable woman and inspires many. At the end of each race each day, Holly’s service dog Flare will be waiting for her, along with family and friends, at the finish line.