ELLSWORTH — Meet adventure writer, endurance athlete, and world traveler Jim Anderson at Discover Together Tuesday at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 10 at the Ellsworth Senior Center.

An author, explorer, marathoner, cross-country skier, and cyclist, Anderson has spent decades transforming curiosity into extraordinary accomplishments. What began as a simple idea—running a marathon in every U.S. state—grew into a lifelong pursuit that has taken him across all 50 states, every Canadian province and territory, and six continents by foot, ski, and bicycle.

“I have to complete something, and then a book comes,” Anderson said.

That philosophy inspired his first book, chronicling his quest to run a marathon in every state. Canada came next, with marathons completed across provinces and territories—on pavement, skis, and bike—leading to a second book. His global athletic pursuits have since inspired a third volume filled with remarkable landscapes, cultures, and personal challenges.

Decades ago, at age 50, Anderson casually remarked that it might be interesting to run a marathon in every state. “Aw, you’re too old,” someone replied. They underestimated Jim Anderson.

Among his accomplishments:

• Completed 47 American Birkebeiners, ranking 10th all-time in total finishes
• Run, skied, and cycled marathons across six continents
• Continued competitive racing well into his 60s and beyond

Highlights from his adventures:

• August 2018 (Age 66): Completed one marathon and two cross-country ski marathons in 15 days in the Southern Hemisphere
• May 2019: Skied the Iceland Worldloppet on fish-scale skis better suited for a backyard trail
• October 2019: Ran a marathon along Scotland’s Loch Ness—monster sightings unconfirmed
• February 2020: Skied the Barkie Birkie alongside his golden retriever, Max
• October 2020: Ran the Crazy Horse Marathon beneath the 563-foot monument in South Dakota
• October 2022: Ran a half marathon in Chilean Patagonia beneath the Towers of Paine
• May 2023: Ran a half marathon in Paro, Bhutan
• June 2024: Ran a half marathon in South Africa in the land of the Big Five
• February 2025: Completed his 46th American Birkebeiner—without natural snow
• Sept. 27, 2025: Scheduled to run the Birkie Half Marathon
• 2026: Planning cross-country ski marathons in Austria and Italy

“Trekking Around Mother Earth to Run, Bike, & Ski Marathons with NW Wisconsin Author and Athlete Jim Anderson” is the name of Anderson’s program.

Following the program, attendees are invited to stay for a complimentary lunch provided by the Ellsworth Senior Center and the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library.

The Ellsworth Public Library is committed to supporting diversity, inclusion, and well-being within the communities it serves. For more information about this program or other library services, please call 715-273-3209.

This event is free and open to the public.

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library