Fr. Dan Hall completed a goal last year of running 50 marathons — after turning 50 years old. But he’s not done yet.
Fr. Dan Hall, at last year’s Chicago Marathon with one of his fans, Saint Viator High School Registrar, Rose Ruffatto
On Saturday, the military veteran, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam in the Army’s special services and spent seven years in the Marines as a chaplain, completed his 51st marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon.
Fr. Hall was one of approximately 30,000 runners who stepped up to do the 41st annual edition, which starts in Arlington, VA and takes runners between Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, and winds up at the Marine Corps Memorial.
Annually, this initiative generates millions of dollars for numerous causes including health and research , military family support, wounded warriors and other social causes.
Br. Peter Lamick, center, and Fr. Dan Hall, right encourage the Lions’ backup kicker
The race and weekend-long events also promote the mission of the Marine Corps, which is to “promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the U.S. Marine Corps.”
Fr. Dan Hall, right, concelebrating Mass on St. Viator day at Saint Viator High School, with Fr. Thomas von Behren, left and Fr. Dan Lydon, center
Fr. Hall runs the marathons each year for himself and to further their causes, however, he serves as a powerful role model to his students, faculty members and Viatorian confreres.
During the school day, Fr. Hall teaches sections of U.S. History, Global Economics and Contemporary World Issues. This fall, he also serves as an assistant football coach for the Saint Viator Lions, who head into the second round of playoffs.
Finally, Fr. Hall has taken on a new role this year as Vice President of Identity and Mission at Saint Viator High School, working hand in hand with the administrative team and first year president, Brian Liedlich.
When you add up all his roles, including his seat on the Saint Viator board of trustees, its executive committee, the board of governors and the Viatorian Provincial Council, it seems like he runs a marathon, every day.