Support Us Button Widget

50 marathons in 50 states: Raleighite with ALS makes history

Andrea Lytle Peet completed 50 marathons in 50 states — something doctors said could not be done with ALS.

RAL-AndreaLytlePeet-May23

Andrea surrounded by supporters at the finish line of her last, and 50th, race in Alaska.

Photo by Shannon Murphy

Table of Contents

Meet Andrea Lytle Peet: a Raleighite, triathlete, and the first person with ALS to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. An incredible marathon accomplishment on its own, Andrea’s feat was done while she fought the progressive neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, most commonly known as ALS.

Andrea was diagnosed with ALS in 2014 at the age of 33. In eight months, this healthy athlete went from completing a 70.3-mile half Ironman to walking with a cane.

After the diagnosis, doctors had told her that there was “no use” in exercising, but Andrea and her husband, David, strongly disapproved of this mindset. They were determined to prove physicians — and themselves — wrong. And they did just that.

Born and raised in Raleigh, Andrea has moved around a bit with David, but her diagnosis ultimately brought her back to the City of Oaks in 2016 to be with family.

RAL-AndreaLytlePeet-May23

What Andrea thought would be her “last triathlon.”

Photo provided by Andrea Lytle Peet

The couple bought a recumbent trike for Andrea to participate in what she thought would be her last triathlon. Maybe it was the runner’s high once she reached the finish line, but this one “last” race led Andrea to her journey of finishing a marathon in all 50 states.

The mean survival time with ALS is two to five years. It has been nearly nine years since Andrea’s diagnosis. The power couple now spends time focusing on their nonprofit Team Drea Foundation and promoting their upcoming documentary “Go On, Be Brave” by Durham-based independent film company Fly Squirrel Films.

Andrea + David graciously welcomed us into their home to share Andrea’s resilient journey. We chatted about her favorite race memories, tattoos, the documentary, and good eats.

What advice do you wish someone gave you in your first year of battling ALS?

Andrea: Enjoy the time that I have. The only thing you can control is your attitude.

David: You still have a lot of life to live. Hopefully going forward, if we reach enough people, especially clinicians, the message will be just that. And it will not only be that, but look at this person who has lived her life with ALS in this way. It’s what you make of it.

RAL-AndreaLytlePeet-mAY23

Learn all about Andrea’s milestone tattoos in her documentary, Go On, Be Brave.

Screen shot via Fly Squirrel Films

Do you do something special to celebrate year milestones with ALS?

I have a swallow tattoo on my arm for every year living with ALS. Swallows are a symbol of hope. [One swallow even has a mask in its mouth to represent the COVID-19 pandemic.]

What is your favorite marathon memory?

My 50th race in Alaska. Fifty people came with us for that final marathon.

Where are your favorite Raleigh spots?

Sola, Boulted Bread, Sosta Cafe [pro tip: according to David, they have the best sandwiches in town], Infinity Hundred Farms, and FRESH. Honorable mention: Fiesta Mexicana in Cary.

How can Raleighites get involved in supporting the end of ALS?

Learn more and support the Team Drea Foundation. Grab tickets to the hometown premier of Andrea’s documentary “Go On, Be Brave” at The Carolina Theatre of Durham on June 17. Support Sola’s 10th annual Hot Mini 5K to raise money to end ALS on September 16.

David embracing Andrea after a race.

David is Andrea’s biggest fan.

Photo provided by Andrea Lytle Peet

More from RALtoday
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in the City of Oaks and how to commemorate his life and legacy on MLK Day.
Let’s get together + bond as a community over a good book with the RALtoday Book Club. Each quarter, we’ll vote on a book and discuss.
Find out which Raleigh spots are all-in for Triangle Restaurant Week, what deals they’re offering, and when it’s happening.
According to the Milken Institute, Raleigh is the No. 1 city for economic growth in the US. Raleigh has climbed the ranks from No. 3 in 2023 and No. 2 in 2024.
The legacy of Millie Dunn Veasey, a Raleigh native and WWII veteran served in the famous 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is commemorated with a post office in her name.
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 27 fitness offerings and gyms around Raleigh.
This home at 1801 Oatlands Ct. in Wake Forest is complete with a saltwater pool, five bedrooms, and six full baths. Take a peek with us.
If one of your new year goals is to shop + support locally owned and operated businesses, bookmark these ins and outs to follow throughout the year.
Over the past few months, Raleigh Iron Works has welcomed new businesses, filling the mixed-use development with eateries and other retail + lifestyle spots.
Raleigh ranks as just the No. 228 most congested city in the world, and locals lost an average of 31 hours to traffic in 2024. Read up on more of Raleigh’s 2024 traffic stats from INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard.