Wounded warrior to inspire All-American Marathon runners in Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Five minutes with Maj. Ivan Castro and you might realize anything you ever complained about was probably never worth the energy you gave it.
"Every day is a challenge. It's a fight," said Castro, sitting behind the desk in the office of his Fayetteville nonprofit called the Special Operators Challenge.
You sense a twinkle in his eyes, even though they're shielded with dark shades.
"Being a man of faith, I can say the Lord gave me a second chance," Castro said smiling.
Castro, 47, is set to inspire nearly 4,000 runners, their loved ones and volunteers on the eve of the second annual All-American Marathon race. Castro, a 26-year Army veteran remains active duty with USASOC, the Special Operations command headquartered on Fort Bragg. He works in the recruiting battalion, but his past duties included leading soldiers through war zones.
That was until September 2006. An Iraqi mortar attack claimed the lives of his two comrades, Sgt. Ralph Porras and Pfc. Justin Dreese.
Castro was severely injured when shrapnel ripped through his body and collapsed his lungs.
Castro made it. His sight didn't, but his spirit does not rest. Fifty marathons, and countless physical challenges later, he says a positive attitude, gratitude, faith family and friends allow him to continue to push the limits.
And, oh yeah, there's that saying.
"It's one of things in our ethos," Castro said matter-of-factly. "Never quit. Never surrender. Never accept defeat. Never leave a fallen comrade."
Castro's comrades guide him through the finish lines of races around the world. Last year, he took an iconic photo with Prince Harry after hiking the South Pole with other wounded warriors from Great Britain and the United States.
His love for adventure has never escaped him.
"I'm the same person I've always been," he laughed. "People are just now noticing it because I'm blind."
And his love for his country hasn't allowed him to medically retire. He knows the day is coming, but as long he can serve he will.
"This is all I know how to do. This is what I live for-to wear the uniform, to come run with soldiers," he said. "I joined the military because I love this freedom and democracy. I want my kids and grandkids to have that freedom and democracy."
Castro is preparing for surgery to treat arthritic pain. He regrets not being able to run the All-American for a second year, but he's proud to cheer runners on Sunday.
Although he's been in the company of the most powerful world leaders, royalty, and accomplished warriors, Castro is a bit nervous about the pre-race pasta party and his address to the runners.
"This is my hometown," he said. "I have to do well."
His message to runners is simple.
"All we have to do is go out there and have a good time, and do your best," he said. "Do your best and don't forget to smile 'cause there's a lot of cameras throughout the race."
THE ALL-AMERICAN RACE: NEED-TO-KNOWS
The City of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg are set to welcome nearly 4,000 runners, 800 volunteers and countless cheerleaders on Sunday.
By 6 a.m., major roadways will shut down between Downtown Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, as runners prepare for a 7 a.m. start to the sound of a howitzer near Festival Park Plaza.
Road closures, which are expected to remain in place through midday, are as follows:
- Both directions of Ray Avenue between Rowan St. and Hay St.
- Both directions of Hay St., Green St. Rowan St between Green and Bragg Blvd, Bragg Blvd between Grove and Hay Streets, and Hay Street from Bragg Blvd to Morganton Road.
- One block of Person St. at the Market House
- Both directions of Morganton Road from Dobbin Park to the All-American Expressway
- Southbound lanes of the All-American Expressway between Morganton Road and Fort Bragg.
Runners will welcome revisions to last year's route. Full marathoners will not have to face the infamous Honeycutt Hill on Fort Bragg. Half marathon runners will actually run around both Iron Mike statues this year-one at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, and the second on the Main Post Parade Field.
A health and fitness expo has been added to the mix, and will be open at the Fayetteville's Crown Coliseum.
The Fayetteville Police Department notes ample security measures have been set in place, and they're encouraging anyone to report any suspicious activity or people.
"It's a showcase event for Fayetteville and Fort Bragg," said Capt. Lars Paul. "We don't want to mess this up."
Organizers are still aiming to make the All-American Marathon the official marathon race of the United States Army.
"Our ultimate goal on this is to turn this marathon into the Army's marathon," said Tom McCollum, a Fort Bragg spokesman. "The Marine Corps has one. The Air Force has one. The Army doesn't have a marathon, and what better place to bring it to than the center of the military universe at Fort Bragg and Fayetteville."
Fayetteville city leaders said they are proud of the inaugural event's success, and how organizers and volunteers from the Post and city were able to work together.
"Just this morning, I asked my wife, Kim, if she was coming to get up and go," said Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson. "She said 'At 6 in the morning?' And I said 'You've got to experience this just one time.'"
Click here to learn more about Major Castro's story and nonprofit.
Click here for more race information.
Click here to read about last year's marathon.
