Sometimes, the most amazing athletic endeavors come later in life. For marathon runner Rick Mankameyer, his accomplishment took place after the age of 60.

Mankameyer, 63, an elementary physical education teacher and coach in the Shawnee Mission School District, completed his 51st marathon at the North Face Endurance Marathon last weekend in Kansas City. He has now completed a marathon in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

He started the endeavor in 2000 and has now completed his goal.

“It has been a great experience,” Mankameyer said. “I’ve gotten to see so many cities and run through them and see the beauty of each one of them.”

After completing 10 marathons in 10 states, Mankameyer was able to join the 50 states marathon group and never looked back from there.

“My wife, Charleen, has come with me to all of them and has been the best cheerleader, so she has been part of the journey, too,” Mankameyer said.

Mankameyer is quick to point out that his journey is far from over.

“I’ve still got a lot of running to do,” Mankameyer said.

In fact, another 50 marathons isn’t out of the question. His next goal is to run another 50, except this time, a little closer to home.

“I’d like to run a lot of marathons in Kansas and the states bordering us,” Mankameyer said. “Running to me is a lifestyle, and I have a lot of living left, so I’m not quitting anytime soon.”