Photo By Lance Cpl. George Nudo | A photo of a new paper clipping from when Mary Jo Betyak-Eisler, supervisor of the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. –Dedication can be defined as “a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose; self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty” and Mary Jo Betyak-Eisler displays just that as she participates in the 47th Marine Corps Marathon, marking the completion of her seventh Marine Corps Marathon.
Betyak-Eisler has worked for Marine Corps Community Services the last nine years and is currently the supervisor for the Community Counseling Program. She started running in 2014 and has completed four Turkey Trots, four Marine Corps 17.75Ks, six Historic Half Marathons and plans to complete her seventh Marine Corps Marathon on October 30, 2022.
“Before I got this job, I was never a runner but since seeing the Marines I support, I found myself wanting to run with them, for them.”
She said that originally she was a “non-runner” but when she trained for and completed her first race, the Semper Fit Health Fair 5K, it changed her perspective on running.
“I found that I just really liked it,” she said, “I started looking around to see what else I could do.”
She started by running on a treadmill at home, but eventually began running outdoors in 2016 after her second marathon. She has continued her running training to this day.
Betyak-Eisler only runs Marine Corps Marathon event races because she believes that supporting the organization she now calls a family is the best way to show her appreciation. She reflected that “If I am here to take care of Marines, I want to put myself in their shoes.”
“Since I have been here [Quantico], the Marines I work with inspired me to do better in everything I do.” She continued to say, “So I figured if they are running to keep in shape, I will do it with them.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Betyak-Eisler continued training and ran all the Marine Corps Marathon events from 2020 to 2022 virtually with some co-workers. She is excited to finally run the 47th Marine Corps Marathon in person, something that was not possible since 2019.
“COVID really did put a damper on things, I wasn’t able to ‘run with the Marines’, there was no finish line, it felt like I was running with no purpose.”
Betyak-Eisler isn’t in this alone, she’s running with Donna Desmarais, a co-worker. Desmarais also thought of herself as a non-runner until the COVID–19 pandemic. Desmarais will not be running the 47th Marine Corps Marathon, however, she will be at the finish line to cheer on Betyak-Eisler.
“I never thought of running, but it was a great way to get out of the house.” Desmarais continued, “She [Betyak-Eisler] is one of the most dedicated people I know. From her running to her work ethic, she makes sure she gives it her all and then some.”
Betyak-Eisler started running with co-workers back in 2014 and now motivates others to join her. She believes that running with people enhances the comradery of a group and is a great way to train for the Marine Corps Marathon events participates in.
“Having her [Desmarais] and the others there made me feel like I was really at an in-person event. It made me realize I had to keep going.” said Betyak-Eisler.
She added that doing these events has made her healthier. Until 2014, she never had a dedicated work out plan since high school and she figured she would never need one. But she did recognize that it is better for her to keep training.
“Not bad for a 52-year-old mother of ten- and fourteen-year-old boys,” Betyak-Eisler said. “I am in better shape now than I was in college.”
With the Marine Corps Marathon just around the corner, Betyak-Eisler is excited to complete another milestone in her life and continue her dedicated service to the Marines she supports.
In 2019, there were 18,488 participants ages 10-81. This year, over 16,000 runners from across the globe have signed up for the 47th Marine Corps Marathon. Every participant has their own reason for running the race. Whether it’s competition, supporting a family member, supporting the Marine Corps, or just for fun, they share a commonality; dedication to the sport, and the blood, sweat and tears shed while training to prepare for this moment.
Betyak-Eisler had this to say about this year’s marathon, “After surviving the rain and heat from 2019 Marine Corps Marathon, we had two years of virtual running, so I am looking forward to the crowds and the expo event and of course to see my husband and two sons cheer me on around mile 23 in Crystal City. Virtual running still gave you the sense of accomplishment and the medals and shirts are still exciting to receive. But nothing is better than crossing the finish line and having a medal placed around your neck by a Marine.”
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2022 09:24 |
| Story ID: | 430628 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Hometown: | STAFFORD, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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