Mentor Woman Sheds 87 Pounds, Prepares for First Half Marathon

Mentor resident Alice Santurri lost 87 pounds and that was before she decided to participate in the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Cleveland Half Marathon this weekend.

"My daughter, she's never known me to be this thin before," Santurri said. "I'm just feeling better about myself. My brother-in-law has done many marathons and that's made me feel better about doing this, too."

Just a year ago, Santurri's doctor informed her that she was considered "morbidly obese" for her height. However, at a recent visit, the same doctor "about fell off her stool" when she saw Santurri's weight loss.

Alice's first step to changing her life was participating in the Race for the Cure 5K last September—a race she says she may have given up on if it wasn't for her daughter sticking by her side. Now, Santurri runs five times a week, participates in TRX three times a week and goes to Zumba and line dancing classes once a week.

Santurri is at the bottom of her healthy weight range for her height. She wants to drop at least 10 more pounds.

"I'm more at ease because I've dropped (the equivalent of a) kindergartner in weight," she said. "I would've never dreamt of doing this before."

Santurri, a daycare director, also found inspiration through Cleveland Moms RUN This Town, a Facebook group of like-minded women who provide an online support system for one another. Before that, she found a training plan and stuck to it. Other lifestyle changes include portion control at the dinner table.

"You really have to make commitment and do it for yourself and nobody else," she said. "Make smart choices ... do everything, you can't just do one thing. It's a way of life."

As for this weekend's event: "I don't really have a time goal. I Just want to finish and do great."

Online registration has closed, but people can still sign up for the half marathon or a mini marathon (3.5 miles) by attending the Health & Fitness Expo at Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center- Hall B from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Race day is Sunday with a start time of 8 a.m. The race begins at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Local bands will provide live performances throughout the course, which ends at the intersection of West Superior Avenue and West 3rd Street. Click here for more information.