The 44th Annual Marine Corps Marathon took place this last week and we are SO impressed by each and every runner who took part in the race.
Especially because they all powered through the 26.2 miles in a torrential downpour!
The overall winner was Jordan Tropf, age 27, who finished with a time of 2:27:43. (WOW)
Here are a few stories of some of the inspiring veterans who completed the race, with help from Achilles International.
“Many of the wounded veterans ran on behalf of Achilles International, a non-profit organization that helps disabled athletes compete in mainstream running events. These veterans ran alongside guides, from Cigna, whose job is to help them navigate uneven asphalt or unexpected obstacles that create issues for their prosthetics.”
Achilles Athlete: Cedric King
Cigna Guide: David Cordani, Cigna CEO
Master Sergeant Cedric King is an accomplished U.S. Army veteran, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker. David has guided Cedric in races since 2015 including the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Boston Marathon. He’s been a featured speakers in David’s book tour promoting The Courage to Go Forward, which speaks to the power of micro-communities.
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Achilles Athlete: Stefan LeRoy
U.S. Army Spc. Stefan LeRoy, from Santa Rosa, California, was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 82nd Airborne Division in February 2012. He stepped on an improvised explosive device while carrying a fellow soldier to a medevac helicopter and instantly lost both legs. Now 28 years old, Stefan has since married and become a father. He’s run several Boston Marathons – two with David Cordani as his Achilles guide. He’s been among the athletes Cigna has sponsored through Achilles International Freedom Team since 2013.
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Achilles Athlete: Manny Jimenez
Cigna Guide: Rick Peacor, former U.S. Marine during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, exercise specialist and physical activity coordinator at Cigna and member of Cigna’s Veterans ERG and featured on MCM blog.
In August 2010, U.S. Marine Manny Jimenez lost his arm at the shoulder while on foot patrol in Afghanistan when an IED (improvised explosive device) blew up. Living in Connecticut, he now works in the insurance business. He’s run several marathons, including the Berlin Marathon at the end of September. A multi-talented person, he won a swing dance competition a few years ago.
Achilles Athlete: Earl Granville
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Earl Granville was on his third deployment serving as an Infantryman when a roadside bomb took his leg in Afghanistan in June 2008. He’s run in several races including the Boston Marathon. He ran the New York Marathon last year in honor of U.S. Senator John McCain. Earl enlisted in the military at the same time as his twin brother, who served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His brother suffered from PTSD and died by suicide in 2008 soon after Earl returned home. As a motivational speaker, he addresses audiences in prisons and military groups about mental health. Carrying cinder block. Symbolic: You don’t need to carry it alone.