2-time Air Force Marathon winner to tell running tips

A two-time winner of the Air Force Marathon will tell runners how to survive the grueling competition that attracts 15,000 runners around the world to Wright-Patterson.

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a medical doctor and Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel, will speak at six free running clinics starting next week, organizers say.

“He knows the course because he’s run the race,” said marathon director Rob Aguiar. “The bulk of this information is how to run but run healthy. What happens a lot in the running community is you hurt yourself, your feet start to hurt, your knees hurt, your ankles hurt and what Dr. Cucuzzella (does) is teach folks and guide folks how to run properly and enjoy running for the long haul.”

Cucuzzella, of Shepherdstown, W.V., has run more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons, organizers said. He is a family physician and professor at West Virginia University.

The running clinics are free and registration is not required, Aguiar said.

Locations and dates include:

5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, Soin Medical Center fifth floor, 3535 Pentagon Boulevard, Beavercreek.

11 a.m. Tuesday,March 14 at the Wright Field Fitness Center in Area B at Wright-Patterson. Base access is required.

6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at New Balance Dayton, 304 E. Stroop Road, Kettering.

11 a.m. Wednesday, March 15 in the Dodge Gym in Area A at Wright-Patterson. Base access is required.

6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at Up and Running, 6123 Far Hills Ave., Centerville.

6 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at Runners Plus, 8970 Kingsridge, Miami Twp.

The marathon, a series of races with a full- and half-marathon and 10K race, is set to start Sept 16 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. A 5K race is scheduled Sept. 15 at the Setzer Pavilion near the Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University in Fairborn.

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