Tag: United States

The 5 biggest marathons in the US

We’re off to the races!

Your first marathon is an unforgettable moment. Racers must train, develop routines, and, of course, go on plenty of literal test runs to prepare for their big moment. Then, there’s the logistical side of entering a marathon. Before a runner can participate in a major race, they have to register and meet certain qualifications. You have to be fast, and you have to get all your ducks in a row.

Part of this process includes providing the marathon organizers with an official and certified qualifying time. With thousands of runners competing for a spot in some marathons, not even meeting the standard qualifications ensures your entry to the race. Curious which marathons are big enough to warrant all this competition? Check out the list below for info on five of the biggest marathons in the United States.

Do national parks close during a government shutdown?

It’s complicated.

What does a government shutdown have to do with national parks? Well, since the National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government, a lot. As a potential government shutdown looms, here’s what people need to know about the country’s parks, monuments, and more.

First, let’s take a moment to discuss government shutdowns. In the U.S., a shutdown occurs when a lack of funding forces non-essential government operations to stop. Funding issues arise when Congress members fail to agree on and pass a budget. While national parks don’t always close during a shutdown, they did amid the 2013 government shutdown.

Will the government shutdown close national parks?

Each government shutdown is unique. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, parks remained open with limited staff. While many adventurous tourists probably enjoyed these lands staying open, the decision caused a lot of trouble.

As Outside writer Wes Siler explained, “Even while maintenance crews and Rangers were furloughed, park visitation boomed. Trash and toilets overflowed, sensitive ecological areas were damaged, artifacts were stolen, and people died.”

Local business owners near national parks also face trouble during government shutdowns. According to the NPS, “visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2020 resulted in a $28.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 234,000 jobs.” If the parks close, businesses that benefit from visitor spending face real trouble.

As Liz Skelton, owner of Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn, told CBS Sacramento, “It’s these small little towns outside of these federal parks that get hit the worst on all this.”

During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, Utah paid to keep several of its national parks open. Governor Spencer Cox has already announced plans to do so again should a 2023 shutdown occur. Similarly, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has stated that she intends to use state funds to keep the Grand Canyon open during a potential shutdown.

Solheim Cup records, facts and figures for the United States and Europe

Get to know the history of the Solheim Cup.

CASARES, Spain — We’re just a day away from the upcoming matches and a bit of Solheim Cup history has already been made this year.

The Europeans are primed to win a third consecutive Solheim Cup as the 2023 matches head to Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Spain, but a stout American lineup stands in the way.

Leading the United States will be 38-year-old Stacy Lewis, who set the mark as the youngest U.S. captain. Patty Sheehan had the previous record of 45 years old in 2002. The youngest-ever captain? That’d be Europe’s 2003 leader, Catrin Nilsmark, at 36 years, 13 days.

Dating back to the inaugural event in 1990, the Solheim Cup has been contested 17 times around the world. From Colorado to Germany, Florida to Scotland, a total of 444 matches have been played, and the U.S. holds a slight advantage. The Americans have won 196 matches to Europe’s 181 wins, with 67 matches tied. That means the two sides are separated by just 15 points all-time: U.S.: 229½ points; Europe: 214½.

Team Overall Singles Foursomes Fourballs
U.S. wins 196 97 49 50
Europe wins 181 71 59 51
Ties 67 28 17 22
Total 444 196 125 123

The U.S. has dominated singles (97-71-28), but has a losing record in both foursomes (49-59-27) and fourball (50-51-22).

If you’re a fan of fun facts and figures, take a deeper look at the history of the Solheim Cup.

These are the best states for peak fall foliage this autumn

Let’s go, leaf peepers.

No matter how much people talk about fall, it never seems to lose its charm. The season’s cozy color palette, fun holidays, and cool weather bring people a breath of fresh air before winter’s end-of-year stresses. Plus, in the United States, autumnal scenery goes off in a pretty major way.

If you’re ready to dive headfirst into fall foliage, make the most of the season by visiting some of the country’s most scenic autumnal states. While most states offer at least one place to see colorful fall leaves, a few regions provide a treasure trove of red, orange, and yellow landscapes that shine brighter than all others. Discover which ones you should visit with this list of the five best states for fall foliage.

5 places in the US where you can see wild bison

See America’s national mammal.

In 2016, bison officially became the national mammal of the United States. While people often confuse these critters with buffalo, some important characteristics distinguish the two. Bison are native to North America and have roamed the continent since prehistoric times. In contrast, “true buffalo” are native to Asia and Africa. Most Americans are at least vaguely aware of the bison’s place in American history, but this animal’s tale stretches back way before European colonizers arrived in North America.

Bison served both symbolic and practical purposes for North American Indigenous communities like the Blackfoot, Lakota, Navajo, and Paiute. Parts of the animal were used for everything from food and clothing to tools and shelter. According to the InterTribal Buffalo Council, an organization of Indigenous tribes advocating for the restoration and preservation of the American bison, the animal is a representation of Indigenous peoples’ spirit, “remind[ing] them of how they once lived free and in harmony with nature.”

Despite a history of European colonizers devastating the American bison population, the species still survives today. Conservation efforts have restored wild bison numbers from about 300 to 31,000. Witness the glory of this animal’s return at these five spots throughout the U.S. where you can see wild bison.