I have run the Boston Marathon 6 times. Each time…a very special memory: the rolling hills of the route and the 20-mile gut check at Heartbreak Hill forever etched in the memory of my “soles”. Each year… an honor to … Read More
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"All we need is the courage to move forward through the darkness after any setback or failure"
About Ivan
Major (Retired) Ivan Castro’s never quit attitude allowed him to serve 28 years in the US Army, as an Army Ranger, and an elite member of the Army’s Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. Ivan enlisted as a young Private and advanced in leadership to become an Officer, obtaining the rank of Major before he retired. His career included deployments around the world to places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, South and Central America.
About Ivan
Major (Retired) Ivan Castro’s never quit attitude allowed him to serve 28 years in the US Army, as an Army Ranger, and an elite member of the Army’s Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. Ivan enlisted as a young Private and advanced in leadership to become an Officer, obtaining the rank of Major before he retired. His career included deployments around the world to places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, South and Central America.Ivan is an avid runner and athlete. Since his injuries, he has cycles across America, completed over 50 marathons, ultramarathons and the toughest race on earth known as the Marathon des Sables, a 220 km Sahara desert run held in the Moroccan Sahara. As top motivational speaker, Ivan is sure to connect with any audience while sharing these up against the elements moments and the skills needed to complete the mission.
Adventures
Ivan’s range of adventures are sure to inspire any audience. From military life and the mindset it takes to become a member of an elite Special Forces Unit; traveling the harsh environmental elements and the teamwork needed to trek across Antarctica to reach the South Pole; Summiting Mt Kilimanjaro with the Water Boys, as a way to bring life sustaining drinking water to communities in need; Laying down survivors guilt on the pilgrimage known as the El Camino de Santiago- a 500 mile hike through France and Spain; Facing an ultimate test of grit, endurance, and conquering self-doubt on his quest to complete the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail. Ivan is an avid runner and athlete. Since his injuries, he has cycles across America, completed over 50 marathons, ultramarathons and the toughest race on earth known as the Marathon des Sables, a 220 km Sahara desert run held in the Moroccan Sahara. As top motivational speaker, Ivan is sure to connect with any audience while sharing these up against the elements moments and the skills needed to complete the mission.
Speaking
Ivan takes you through over a decade of loss and darkness, as he highlights the grit and determination needed to navigate adversity, teaching audiences about cultivating the endurance needed to always carry on. With a sense of humor and ease, Ivan has been challenging athletes, soldiers, executives, sales professionals, and everyday warriors, across the globe, Ivan’s stories and adventures has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, BBC, CNN, Fox News, and more.
Media
Major Ivan Castro has been featured in major publications and multiple news outlet interviews.
Fighting Blind
Fighting was a practiced routine for Lieutenant Ivan Castro. But when a mortar round struck the rooftop of his sniper’s post in Iraq, he found himself in a battle more difficult than even he could have imagined. The direct hit killed two other soldiers and nearly claimed Castro’s life as well.
"Ivan is truly amazing! He went from a perfectly normal life to being turned upside down in the blink of an eye. It would have been so easy to throw in the towel and give up, but his lovely wife would not let that happen. He got up and decided that he wanted to make something of his life and through running, did so. He proved to be an inspiration for many, including his own family. What a great book!"
M. Stody
Adventures
The Journey You Choose
Throughout my life I have challenged myself and sought adventure. This has been especially true since being blinded. In 2018, I decided my big adventure that year would be to walk the El Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain ending at … Read More
What I Miss Today
Being Blind is hard, I hate it. I hate the continual visual darkness. There I said it. Not something you would expect from a motivational speaker…. but I find that a dose of honesty is always a good place to … Read More
Invictus Games
ln 2014, 2015, 2016, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to compete in the Invictus Games championed by a man with much better vision than mine, Prince Harry. And with the generous support of the Royal Foundation’s Endeavor Fund these … Read More
Running with the Bulls
In 2018, I had just completed a 500 Mile trek across Spain, known as the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. I was fortunate enough to have been joined at the end by some of my closest and dearest friends. As … Read More
South Pole
Coming Soon