I ran $160 up over $1,200 twice when I use to frequent the casino.
$1/$2 has since gone the way of the dinosaurs. Now the casino spreads $1/$3. Much better game IMO.
To the O.P.'s question: I can't recall with accuracy the amount of money I have seen a player accrue playing $1/$2 prior to cashing out.
However, I did witness a player turn his $300 buy-in into $2,300 plus at the $1/$3 table last year in roughly 5.5. hours. That was impressive.