Member Spotlight
Marian hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.
Marian Buzon
November 2025
If you’ve spent any time around West Georgia Track Club, chances are you’ve seen Marian Buzon—smiling at a group run, cheering at a finish line, or helping out behind the scenes as a dedicated board member.
Originally from a small town in New York State, Marian made her way to Carrollton after completing graduate school in Idaho. She joined the University of West Georgia as a professor in the geology program and, almost immediately, found her way to West Georgia Track Club. “I got involved in the club as soon as I moved to Carrollton in 2016,” she says. Marian has since served on the WGTC Board of Directors, first as Membership Director and currently as Vice President.
Marian’s running story began early. “I ran cross-country in high school,” she recalls, “but I’ve enjoyed running for as long as I can remember. The mile in gym class was always a favorite day.”
Today, running remains a joyful part of her life. “I enjoy being outside and seeing my community or coming across animals on trails. I enjoy the physical health benefits of being active. I've made many friends through running, including meeting my husband,” she says before joking, “I also enjoy being competitive, but that's phasing out a bit.”
While Marian runs a decent amount, she doesn’t currently participate in many races at this point in her life, choosing to run for enjoyment. She has, however, completed an impressive range of races—one road marathon, several 30k trail races, around ten half marathons (three on trails), and countless 5Ks and 10Ks. Among them, two races stand out as favorites:
Palouse Road Runners 100K Relay and Solo Run (Idaho): “It’s ten relay legs covering a range of terrain. The whole day is running, resting, driving, eating, and cheering on repeat. I participated in a women's 3-person team and then a mixed 5-person team. Ultra relays are super fun; look into one if you're curious.
Carrollton Half Marathon: “I love a good crowd and post-race party. It's great to see so many familiar faces each year and to meet people that have travelled here just for the race.
Her proudest running moment came in 2022 with her half-marathon training and subsequent performance at the Carrollton Half Marathon, where she set the goal of matching her personal best from six years earlier, which was on a much flatter course. “I met my goal and the whole experience reinforced that making changes to your training (and recovery!) will pay off. This really helped with my marathon training the following year.”
As for what’s next? Marian’s goals are refreshingly grounded: to keep running for a long time. “Sure, I'd love to run faster, try another marathon, or do a 50k trail race. Ultimately, though, I just want to be able to continue to enjoy being active as I continue to balance all areas of life,” she explains.
When it comes to favorite local running routes, Marian says we’re spoiled for choice. “We are so fortunate to have the Greenbelt; I enjoy all sections of that path. The trails at Tanner and at Clinton Nature Preserve provide a really lovely setting, too.”
Looking back, becoming involved with WGTC was a great way to meet people after moving to Carrollton from Idaho, where weekly runs with the Palouse Road Runners were part of her normal routine. She knew that she would find the same kind of connection here if she got plugged into a local running club.
As a WGTC Board Member, Marian has the following message to share: “I just want to thank everyone for contributing to this great community. It is rewarding seeing such great participation at our weekly runs, and other events we host. If you've been nervous about joining in on a group run, please join us sometime! We welcome all paces.”
(Picture: Marian hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.)
Come run with Marian and other members of WGTC at our next group run! Check out our Monthly Calendar for details.