Posted by: Julie Block
From the battlefields of Iraq to the mountain trails of Vail, one veteran’s journey of healing and hope
When Adrian Nunez looks at the steep mountain trails ahead of him during the inaugural Vail Ultra at the GoPro Mountain Games on June 5, it won’t be the first time he’s faced a seemingly impossible challenge. As a combat engineer who served three tours in Iraq, Nunez knows what it means to push through pain and find purpose in the struggle.
“Every time right before we step off, I look at the person next to me and think, ‘What the f*** did I sign up for?'” Nunez says with a laugh. But that moment of doubt quickly gives way to determination—a mindset that has carried him through 14 ultras with 50 for the Fallen, a nonprofit that helps connect veterans with mental health services and the beneficiary of all proceeds from this year’s Vail Ultra.
From Combat to Community
As the first member of his Mexican-American family to serve in combat or attend college, Nunez views his military service as transformative. “It was my only escape,” he reflects on his decision to join the Army right out of high school. “Stay home, go to prison, or get killed—those seemed like my options. The Army was the best decision I ever made.”
During his eight years of service, Nunez completed three tours in Iraq and spent a total of 40 months in combat zones between 2006 and 2011. As a combat engineer, he worked alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams on route reconnaissance and clearance missions—some of the most dangerous work in a war zone.
But what Nunez misses most about his military days isn’t the adrenaline—it’s the camaraderie.
“Even in combat, we had a good time because of those connections,” he says. “When you transition out, you lose that. You’re not part of the team anymore. You’re not part of the mission.”
A Dark Place and a New Mission
After leaving the service, Nunez struggled to find his footing. “I was in a dark place when I met Chad,” he says, referring to the founder of 50 for the Fallen, who invited him to join an ultra event. The prospect seemed absurd at first—a 50-mile trek, straight through, no stops?
“I had never done anything over 10 or 12 miles,” Nunez admits. But something about the challenge spoke to him, and after participating in events in Washington D.C. and Lake Tahoe, he found himself in a leadership role with the organization.
Now, as he prepares for the Vail Ultra on June 5, 2025, Nunez isn’t just focused on his own journey. As a leader with 50 for the Fallen, he’ll be guiding others through the grueling 50-mile course that winds through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 
The Healing Power of Suffering Together
For Nunez, these ultra events aren’t just physical challenges—they’re opportunities for connection and healing.
“In the middle of the night, when people get the grumbles during what we call ‘the suck,’ you’ll see what people have going on inside,” he explains. “You see people taking care of each other.”
This shared suffering creates bonds that transcend the civilian-military divide. “We learn through stories and connection,” Nunez says. “When you do events that aren’t just closed off to military, those connections open up opportunities and resources on both sides.”
Beyond his work with 50 for the Fallen, Nunez recently trained in equine-assisted therapy through Colorado Springs-based organization the Remount Foundation, continuing his decade-long involvement with equine therapy as a participant. He also works with Illuminate Colorado, channeling his passion for service into helping others.
“All the grace and mercy that was given to me wasn’t mine to keep,” he says of his commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
Adrian’s greatest mission these days is being a stay-at-home dad to his three daughters. “That’s my real ‘why,'” he says with pride. “Everything I do with 50 for the Fallen, all the miles I put in, it’s about showing my girls what it means to heal and give back. They’re why I keep pushing forward every day.”
More Than Just Finishing
When asked how running has helped him process combat experiences, Nunez’s answer is simple but profound: “It reminds me that I’m not alone and I’m not the only one struggling.”
That message resonates throughout his work with veterans who are hesitant to seek help. “At no point will you be by yourself,” he promises. “We’re in this together till the end.”
As for the upcoming Vail Ultra, Nunez has a message for anyone contemplating the challenge: “Once you’ve done 50 miles, you will always be able to do it because you know you can. And I’ll be there with you every step of the way.”
Join Nunez and other members of 50 for the Fallen in the inaugural Vail Ultra and help us to raise funds and awareness for their cause. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just love the challenge of the outdoors, this race is about so much more than just crossing the finish line.
Learn more and register at mountaingames.com.
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