Salem man finishes goal of running half marathon in each state [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — When 73-year-old Jerry Korson from Salem crossed the finish line in New York City’s Half Marathon two weeks ago, it was more than a singular race for him: It completed a goal of running a half marathon in every state.

“I knew it would get to that point; it just took a lot longer than I ever thought,” Korson said.

Korson, an already avid runner, said the idea took shape in 2004. He had already run some races, including Hood to Coast and even some marathons. From there and with one foot in front of another, he slowly started to make the idea into a reality, usually by one vacation trip and two races at a time, he said.

Along the way, Korson chronicled his progress with pictures holding up his …