Runner Spotlight - December 2024

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible sacrifice of our military troops who spend this time away from their families and loved ones in order to serve and protect our country.
During the month of December, Run Muskegon would like to recognize one of our own — a member of our community who is currently serving in the National Guard and previously served in the Marines. We are so grateful for your commitment to keeping us safe, and we want to take this opportunity to say thank you for all you do, especially during this season. 

Staff Sergeant Eben Osgood was born and raised in Kentucky. He moved to Michigan after serving eight years in the Marines. While out of the service for seven years, Eben earned a degree in civil engineering. Additionally, a friend suggested joining the National Guard to help build his résumé. While in the National Guard, Eben decided to pursue a career in the IT/signal field, which he has been working in since 2016. He is currently on his sixth deployment, four of which have been with the National Guard. His latest deployment brings him to Kuwait where his unit plays a key role in supporting various missions and exercises involving signal and cyber assets; however, further details are limited.
To all of our military troops who are spending the holidays away from home — you are in our hearts, and we are forever grateful for your service. 🇺🇸

Q&A with Staff Sergeant Osgood
1. How long have you been running?
In some capacity since childhood with sports, but nothing committed until I left the Marines in 2009.

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
Yes. My most memorable individual race was the Detroit Marathon when I had a real chance at a Boston Qualifier (BQ). All my friends from a run group in Lansing were cheering for me in the last mile.
My most memorable group race was a relay in Colorado. Six of us ran 200 miles through the Rockies in 34 hours. I did the time trial leg and placed 10th overall with the locals, beating all the “flat-landers.”

3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?
No, but I forgot my kilt when I packed for Kuwait. I was planning to wear it for our St. Patrick's Day 5K.

4. Only running shoes for me are...
I used to wear Brooks Connect, but now I stick with Hoka.

5. What is your worst running-related injury?
I ruptured part of my left calf in 2015, but still completed a trail marathon, two road marathons, and the DALMAC bike tour. In 2019, I tore my right meniscus, which became evident a month after I dropped out of the Grand Rapids Marathon due to a soft tissue foot injury while training in Pennsylvania.

6. Hot or cold weather runner?
Both, for different reasons, but I prefer a bit of a chill.

7. What is your motivation for running?
I quit smoking in 2009 when I left the Marines and quickly put on weight. My girlfriend at the time wanted to join the Navy, so I got in shape while helping her prepare for basic training. I started with a 10K, then a half marathon, three triathlons, and eventually went full psycho.

8. If I didn’t run, I...
Would definitely ride my bike more. Although, it takes a lot longer to feel like I’ve really pushed myself.

9. I can't run without…
I only bring water on longer runs (6+ miles), GU and chews for anything over 10 miles, and, of course, my ID—just in case. I never bring music.

10. What’s the farthest you’ve run at one time?
I did a trail marathon that ended up being 26 miles, and during a relay, I ran a total of 34 miles across my segments.
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11. What brought you to Run Muskegon, and why have you stayed?
I moved to Muskegon in 2023 and wanted to find a run group to connect with my community and discover better places to run in the area.





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