Eric McElvenny was a U.S. Marines captain in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in late 2011. After surgeons amputated most of his lower right leg, McElvenny received an email from his commanding officer who wanted to know when he’d be running his first marathon. McElvenny decided to take that motivational suggestion even further by competing in triathlons, including several at the Ironman level. Those consist of a 2.4-mile swim, an 112-mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2 miles).
For his latest challenge, McElvenny is preparing to tackle the 106° West Triathlon at Lake Dillon in Colorado on September 10. The distances are 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking and 13.1 miles of running. But the real killer is the elevation, which starts at nearly 9,100 feet and maxes out at 10,291 feet.
Crazy? Yes. But as McElvenny says, “That sounds like a reason to go do it.”
Here is more about McElvenny, 33, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who now lives in the San Diego area and works as an inspirational speaker.
Eric McElvenny was a U.S. Marines captain in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in late 2011. After surgeons amputated most of his lower right leg, McElvenny received an email from his commanding officer who wanted to know when he’d be running his first marathon. McElvenny decided to take that motivational suggestion even further by competing in triathlons, including several at the Ironman level. Those consist of a 2.4-mile swim, an 112-mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2 miles).
For his latest challenge, McElvenny is preparing to tackle the 106° West Triathlon at Lake Dillon in Colorado on September 10. The distances are 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking and 13.1 miles of running. But the real killer is the elevation, which starts at nearly 9,100 feet and maxes out at 10,291 feet.
Crazy? Yes. But as McElvenny says, “That sounds like a reason to go do it.”
Here is more about McElvenny, 33, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who now lives in the San Diego area and works as an inspirational speaker.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.