In honor of the United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary (affectionately, their birthday) and the Marine Corps Marathon’s 50th anniversary in 2025, Officer Dustin Fishman, a proud Marine veteran and dedicated member of our police department, is lacing up his running shoes for the Marine Corps Marathon. This iconic race, known as “The People’s Marathon,” will see Fishman pounding the pavement through Arlington, Virginia (home of the US Marine Corps Memorial depicting the flag raising at Iwo Jima), and along the historic National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate his service, support a worthy cause, and inspire our community.

Preparation: Discipline in Action

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Fishman, who served in Afghanistan and as a Marine Security Guard in Tunisia from 2009 to 2013, is no stranger to perseverance. His training for the October 26, 2025, marathon began under the guidance of his wife, Jen, a seasoned run coach for Team Run Run with experience coaching marathoners and cross-country teams. “We’re about five months out, so it’s going to be about a five-month program,” Fishman explains. His regimen combines running with CrossFit-style strength training to build muscle endurance, ensuring he’s ready for the 26.2-mile challenge. Fishman aims for negative splits, targeting an average pace under 10 minutes per mile, with hopes of pushing faster in the final 10 miles. “I’m hoping the average pace is under 10 minutes a mile… those last maybe 10 miles, we’re trying to push like eight, seven, six,” he says. The marathon’s relatively flat course and sea-level elevation, compared to Colorado’s arid climate and higher altitude, should be an advantage. “I think it’s actually going to be easier, because we’ll be dropping elevation down to sea level,” Fishman notes, drawing on his East Coast roots to tackle D.C.’s humidity.

Community: Uniting for Guardian Revival

Fishman’s run is a rallying point for Keenesburg. He is collecting pledges to support Guardian Revival, a charity supporting veterans and first responders through music retreats, backcountry hikes, and camping trips, bringing together local businesses, neighbors, and fellow officers. “They don’t only help veterans. They also help first responders. So police, fire, EMS,” Fishman says. This collective effort underscores the power of unity, with every pledge amplifying the impact of his run. With a fundraising goal of $2,500, he’s raised $300 so far, needing $2,200 more by race day. “I have another 2,200-ish to raise,” he shares. To make his run a symbol of service, Fishman plans to wear a custom shirt featuring the Guardian Revival logo, Keenesburg Police, and a timeline of his Marine and police service. The marathon’s reputation as “the best marathon for beginners” and the world’s largest without prize money underscores its community-driven spirit, making it a perfect platform for Fishman’s mission.

Achievement: A Legacy of Resilience

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Running his second marathon—his first was a grueling 3:30 finish in 120-degree desert heat—Fishman knows the mental challenge ahead. “I’d say it’s going to be 50-50. I think I’m going to make the first half of the race based off of just athleticism and training, and then that last half where, you know, it feels like it should be,

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the glass half full, it’s going to feel like the glass is half empty when you get halfway through a race. Now I’ve got to dig deep and find that mental resilience to finish the last 13.1 miles,” he reflects. The Marine Corps Marathon, with its scenic course through Arlington and the National Mall, offers inspiration from fellow runners and spectators, a stark contrast to his solitary desert race. Fishman’s determination to finish, despite time constraints and physical demands, reflects his Marine ethos and commitment to his community. “I’m gonna finish no matter what,” he vows. By crossing the finish line, he’ll honor the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, the marathon’s 50th milestone, and his own journey as a veteran and officer, leaving a legacy of grit and giving back.

Join us in cheering on Officer Dustin Fishman as he runs for Guardian Revival. To make a pledge, visit https://give.guardianrevival.org/fundraiser/6046905 or contact the Keenesburg Police Department. Let’s unite behind our local hero as he takes on this historic challenge.