Never Too Old to Run
Ovidio Pugnale started jogging in his seventies — not out of athletic ambition, but to escape household chores. That small act of avoidance became a full-blown passion. At 84, he lined up at the Air Force Marathon Series, completing both the 5K and 10K races.
An American Story
Pugnale's path to the start line runs through a quintessential immigrant journey. His family emigrated from Italy when he was two, settling in northeastern Ohio. Following his father's military footsteps, he entered pilot school and was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, eventually flying B-52s during the Vietnam War. After 26 years of service — including three postings in the region — he retired and made Beavercreek his permanent home.
The Lesson
Pugnale first entered a 10K as part of the Air Force Marathon Series and never looked back. His story dismantles every excuse about age, fitness, and starting over. The next time a long run feels impossible, think of a retired B-52 pilot toeing the line at 84 — and keep moving.