Sgt. Maj. Domenick Irrera has the experience of 50 marathons under his water belt and plans to tackle his 27th Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday.
The 82-year-old said his training and goals have changed over the years, but it’s clear his tough spirit has not faded with time.
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“I’m not racing anymore, I’m running,” Irrera said. “The good Lord gave me the ability, and I want to use it every day I can.”
Irrera will be inducted into the MCM Hall of Fame on Friday for the creation of his Sergeant Major Running Teams.
Irrera said he was “really thrilled” about the award and honored he has been selected. He formed his all-sergeants team while on active duty in the late 1970s to encourage competitiveness among different ranks in the Marine Corps.
He said his service in the military instilled in him the discipline that makes him a successful runner.
“When I ran my first marathon in 1973, I had no concept of training,” said Irrera, who almost quit at mile 19. But a small, 15-year-old girl ran by, taunting him and challenging him to finish.
“In the military, you don’t quit,” Irrera said. “I got up and finished the race. Because of the hurting, I also learned how to walk down stairs backwards.
“My belief is everyone can run a marathon. You’ve got to persevere and sacrifice. You got to push yourself out the door.”