"Trifecta": 31 Years of 26.2: Chronicles of a Marathoner

by David Hamel

This memoir chronicles the life of a runner celebrating the completion of over 31 years of 26.2 mile marathon races. His “Trifecta” comprises 131 marathons, a marathon completion in all 50 states, and two finishes in the coveted Boston Marathon. He shares a veteran’s personal journey of overcoming life’s challenges and disasters to achieving daily victories with a focus on a runner’s WHY.

“You are a runner, a marathoner, the master of time management, meticulous planning, logistics, and travel. You are extremely versatile and adaptable. Somehow you make it all fit. Your WHY drives your WILL … it all comes back to your WHY.”

Audible Audio

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

David Hamel is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant having served over 30 years on active duty in aircraft maintenance and as a Director of the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute in Montgomery, Alabama. He is a past Alabama State Commander of the Korea Defense Veterans of America and past Eastern District Commander of AMVETS, North Carolina. He has performed 175 Prisoner of War-Missing In Action (POW-MIA) table presentations and has served as the state POW-MIA Chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Departments of Alabama and North Carolina, and is a past National Aide-de-Camp. Dave is also an Eagle Scout.
Completing his 31 years of marathon running, Dave has finished 131 marathons in all 50 states, and has two finishes in the coveted Boston Marathon. Known as “Scrappy” in the Fort Bragg hockey community, he cross-trains playing aggressive ice hockey.
Dave is a motivational speaker on fitness and self-preservation, and Air Force history and heritage. He has Masters Degrees in Human Resources Development, and Computer Resources and Information Management.
He resides in Spring Lake, North Carolina with his wife Gloria, of 31 years.