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Marathon Running Experts

Throughout your marathon-training journey, the following UPMC Sports Medicine experts are here to provide you with expert advice.

Do you have a general question for one of our sports medicine experts? Ask us on Twitter, and we’ll do our best to provide a timely answer.

Aaron Mares, MD

Aaron Mares, MD

Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician

Areas of expertise:

For over 10 years, Dr. Mares has been a member of the Pittsburgh Marathon's Medical Advisory Board, where he currently serves as associate medical director. Dr. Mares treats all types of sports and non-sports-related musculoskeletal conditions. He also serves as co-head team physician for the Pittsburgh Panthers football team.

Fun fact:

An avid runner himself, he has completed the New York City Marathon and numerous half marathons.


Kelley Anderson, DOKelley Anderson, DO

Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician

Areas of expertise:

  • Running injuries
  • Common health issues among runners
  • Heat-related illness

For over 10 years, Dr. Anderson has been a member of Pittsburgh Marathon's Medical Advisory Board, where she currently serves as the Elite runner medical coordinator. Dr. Anderson treats all types of sports and non-sports-related musculoskeletal conditions. She also serves as co-head team physician for Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.

Fun fact:

An avid runner herself, she personally has completed numerous half marathons.


Ron DeAngelo, CSCS, ATC, LAT

Ron DeAngelo, CSCS, ATC, LAT

Director, UPMC Sports Performance

Areas of expertise:

Ron works with active people of all levels to help them prevent injury and perform at new heights. A Fellow of Applied Functional Science, he is an expert on biomechanics, the science behind human movement and performance. He also is certified as an athletic trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and performance enhancement specialist.

Fun fact:

Ron is nationally known for training many notable sports stars, including NFL All-Pro players and NBA All-Stars. He trains runners to overcome a variety of obstacles and achieve their marathon goals.


Sarah Ostop, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC

Sarah Ostop, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC

Sports Certified Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer

Areas of expertise:

  • Graston certified
  • Kinesiotaping
  • Running assessment

Sarah is a recreational runner whose goal is to run a half marathon in the next few years.

Fun fact:

Sarah’s first experience with the Pittsburgh Marathon was in 2009, when she volunteered at the finish line as part of her athletic training clinical.


Donna Dugas, LAT, ATC

Donna Dugas, LAT, ATC

Manager, Athletic Training and Development

Areas of expertise:

  • Medical management of large-scale athletic events
  • Marathon medical services
  • Athletic training for elite athletes

Donna has been working the marathon for over 20 years, serving in roles on the course, in drug testing, equipment/supplies, and all finish line areas. She has served as Medical Operations Director for the Pittsburgh Marathon and other P3R events since 2017. Previously, she assisted Kathleen Nachazel as Medical Operations Coordinator. Donna has been fortunate to work with high-level athletes over her career at UPMC Sports Medicine, as well as other opportunities including serving as a Chief Athletic Trainer for the Olympic Games.

Fun fact:

Donna has been a manager in the department for 10 years. Before that, she spent her days in the athletic training field, primarily at the collegiate level.


Ashley Disantis, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Ashley Disantis, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Outpatient Physical Therapist

Areas of expertise:

  • Runners
  • Hip and pelvis injuries

Ashley is an outpatient physical therapist who treats runners of all levels. She also has a special interest in injuries to the hip and pelvis.

Fun fact:

Ashley ran her first 10 miler in 2013. She enjoys mid distance road races, but one day hopes to complete the New York City marathon.


Kathleen Nachazel, LAT, ATC

Kathleen Nachazel, LAT, ATC

Director, Athletic Training and Development
Certified Athletic Trainer

Areas of expertise:

For over 20 years, Kathleen has been a member of the Pittsburgh Marathon's Medical Advisory Board, where she currently serves as a medical consultant. Kathleen will be inducted into the Pittsburgh Marathon hall of fame in May 2020. She also serves as Director of Athletic Training and Development for UPMC Sports Medicine.

Fun fact:

In addition to her marathon expertise, Kathleen was an athletic trainer with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for many years.


Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a physician or other Sports Medicine expert, call 1-855-937-7678.

UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
3200 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066