In March 2026, SrA Martin Guzman-Duenas could barely run for 20 minutes. He weighed 220 pounds. A college passion for running had faded, and his health declined with it. This fall, 30 pounds lighter and averaging 35 miles of running per week, the 316th logistics readiness squadron Airman is preparing for his first marathon: the 51st Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 25 in Washington, D.C. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the event honors Marines and all who have served and typically draws more than 30,000 runners.
Training has tested him both physically and mentally. “The hardest physical part has been running while hurt. I am always hurting,” Guzman-Duenas said. “Averaging 35 miles a week has taken a toll. Finding time and patience to recover has been just as hard. I used to just want to get up and go — no stretch, no warmup. That made me prone to injury. I’m finally taking the proper steps.”
Patience has been the biggest mental hurdle, Guzman-Duenas recounts, “I was eager to break records every time. I’m getting better at understanding that improvement takes time. Comparing yourself to others is a disservice; it’s easy to get discouraged. I am only competing with myself, and I am proud of my progress.” While progress made running enjoyable, running also rewarded Guzman-Duenas with mental clarity. “It feels great knowing that for a little while, all you have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other.”
Guzman-Duenas has helped build a running culture in his shop. His wingmen, leadership, wife Courtney and daughter Remi have been strongly supportive. PT time from his unit has helped, as has the Air Force’s emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. He looks up to his college roommate Marlon, who has completed six marathons and an ultra-marathon, and hopes to inspire his daughter.
“My hope is that my efforts can one day inspire Remi to believe she can accomplish feats that seem impossible if she stays consistent and doesn’t give up,” he said. For Guzman-Duenas, the race is about more than a personal finish line. “The Marine Corps Marathon is about honoring service, remembering those who sacrificed everything to defend this country. As a military member I am honored to run for those who are no longer with us and for those who no longer can.”
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Guzman-Duenas is running in honor of his mother Maria, a breast cancer survivor. “Seeing her go through treatment was heavy on her and our family. She kept her spirits up and kept fighting. She is one of the most resilient people I know, and I am elated to be running to honor her.”
Guzman-Duenas had some special words for his wife. “I want to thank my better half. Courtney has put up with me since the day I met her and built a life with me that I am eternally grateful for. I want to give her the world, and that only happens if I become the best version of myself. Yeah, running is hard, but it is harder living with the regret of not giving it your all.”
When Guzman-Duenas crosses the finish line Oct. 25, he will not be crossing the finish line alone. Guzman-Duenas will have crossed the finish line with resilience passed down from his mom, the unwavering support of his wife, and the example to set for his daughter.
The Marine Corps Marathon is about remembering those who sacrificed everything to defend our country, and for Guzman-Duenas, it is also about honoring his own family’s sacrifices and carrying forward their strength.
