Massachusetts man running seaside endurance marathon for veterans

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) — John Brunelli has dedicated his life to service.

Despite working as a paramedic, firefighter and dispatcher, the U.S. Navy reservist told NewsNation affiliate WPRI he still doesn’t feel as though he’s “done enough.”

“I feel kind of guilty because I never served in combat,” Brunelli said. “There are people who have sacrificed so much.”

That’s why he’s taking his efforts one step further by running in the Anchor Down Ultra Marathon .

The seaside endurance race takes place annually at Colt State Park. Even though there are 6-hour and 12-hour options, Brunelli is going all in and partaking in the 24-hour race.

Brunelli said helping his brothers and sisters in uniform is “paramount” to him, which is why he’s running to benefit New Englanders Helping Our Veterans .

Anchor Down notes that the “grueling” race is typically held on one of the hottest weekends of the year and is meant to be challenging.

Brunelli has been training for the marathon for months. He told WPRI that, whenever he starts to get tired or sore, he shifts his focus.

“It’s ankle pain,” Brunelli said. “There are some people who have lost their leg. So, I can suck it up for a little bit and do another lap.”

“This race is important to me,” he added. “I want to raise money for veterans who fall through the cracks.”

Brunelli has been wearing a so-called sauna suit while training to get him acclimated to the heat and humidity.

“Humidity is my kryptonite,” Brunelli said. “It’s a 2.4-mile loop. My goal is 68 miles because I was born in 1968.”

“The pain I experience, and believe me, you experience pain running for 24 hours, is nothing compared to the sacrifice and pain our veterans and their families feel,” he continued. “I look forward to raising money … and that feeling of accomplishment.”

Anyone interested in donating to New Englanders Helping Our Veterans on Brunelli’s behalf can do so online with the message “Go Johnny.”

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