What started as recovery from a back injury turned into a lifelong passion for one Brooklyn runner.

Clifford Tsao has completed more than 30 marathons since first taking up the sport in 2009, and now he's preparing to once again run through his home borough in the RBC Brooklyn Half.

Tsao's running journey began in 2009 after a back injury prompted his doctor to encourage him to focus on fitness and strength.

One year later, he completed his first New York City Marathon - the start of a running career that has now included more than 30 marathons, including races in his home country of China.

Tsao says running changed his life so profoundly that he wanted to share the experience with others.

He began volunteering with NYRR Open Run in Brooklyn's Marine Park, where he now serves as a Volunteer Captain and has helped the weekly program grow significantly over the years.

A longtime Brooklyn resident, Tsao has run the RBC Brooklyn Half nearly every year since 2009 and is excited to once again race through his home borough.

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