Craig Curley (Diné) is a marathoner and 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier. Craig’s professional running journey has been a winding path. In the early 2000s, he was considered a top high school runner in Arizona. Forgoing Division I collegiate opportunities, he went on to compete for Pima Community College for two years and broke the 5,000m record which was previously held by Pima Community College alum Abdi Abdirahman. Shortly after the 2012 trials, Craig won the Columbus Marathon and signed a contract with Mizuno. In this conversation, we talk about the different phases of his running journey, the coaches he’s worked with, and how his home life and cultural upbringing intersect with his running career. I am lucky to have connected with Craig through our mutual friend, Mario Fraioli. Mario is currently coaching Craig as he tackles this new season of running and life.

In this episode:

• Wings of America
• Billy Elliot (Movie)
• Craig Curley on the Morning Shakeout Podcast
• “With Pro Runners Eager to Race, a Marathon Comes to Arizona,” by Sarah Lorge Butler, RunnersWorld.com, September 24, 2020.
• The Presets (Band)
• Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men’s Cross-Country Team (Book by Chris Lear)
• There, There (Book by Tommy Orange)

Follow Craig Curley:

• Instagram: @craigcurley_

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Music by Jacob Shije (Santa Clara Pueblo, NM).

This podcast was made possible through the Tracksmith Fellowship Program.