CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Boston Marathon takes place in April, and to qualify it takes a lot of hard work. It can also be costly.
Thanks to CITGO, two members of the Corpus Christi Fire Department are on their way there.
Those two first responders were surprised when they learned that CITGO will sponsor them, and they say they already have been training for the big race.
The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest, most prestigiuos races in America.
“So I know the training that goes into it, but it's Boston -- it's the premier run in the world when it comes to marathons, so I'm super pumped," said firefighter and EMT David Torres Jr. "I look forward to the challenge.”
Battalion Chief Scott Marsh and Torres were called into CCFD headquarters, but had no idea what was happening.
“I started process of elimination," Torres said. "I was hoping it was this, but, you know, didn't find out anything. Now that we're here -- (I'm a) little jittery, super excited. I can’t believe I have this opportunity.”
Marsh said the surprise is "just a joy" because the Boston Marathon is one of the most difficult races for which to qualify.
“This is a huge opportunity," he said. "I have never been fast enough to qualify on my own.
This will be the first time both men will participate in the race, and also the first year CITGO has sponsored first responders to compete in the marathon. Marsh and Torres said even though this is their first time taking part in the race, they hope that it won't be the last.
“I'm thrilled that CITGO . . . wanted to sponsor first responders this year," Marsh said. "It's a great opportunity and greatly appreciated.”