Key Points

• Eladio Perez Torres earned a place in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Hall of Fame after completing all six of the world’s most iconic marathons across four continents.
• He brings that same drive for excellence to his role at Marathon Petroleum, helping teams strengthen performance and manage risk across the company’s commercial business.
• Perez Torres says passion, patience and persistence have carried him through life’s challenges and marathons, and that with support from those around him, every mile has been worth it.

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Some people run half marathons, while others push themselves more and work their way up to a full marathon. There are others, like Eladio Perez Torres, who go even further. Much further.

Perez Torres has run 21 full marathons on four continents, which include crossing the finish line at all six of the world’s most iconic races. That accomplishment earned him a spot in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Hall of Fame.

“A lot of people see the medals or the miles, but for me it’s always been about pushing through the hard parts. That’s where you grow,” Perez Torres said. “Every marathon teaches you something. It’s not just about running. It’s about life. Even when it hurts, you keep going.”

“When you commit to something fully, amazing things really are possible.”

Going the Distance

Perez Torres is one of the few athletes in the world to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. He now has his sights on possibly a seventh, as Sydney, Australia, was recently added to the list. The World Marathon Majors unite hundreds of thousands of runners with one shared goal: cross the finish line after 26.2 grueling miles.

It took Perez Torres more than two decades to achieve his goal of completing all six Majors.

“It was a personal challenge. I’ve always loved running, and this gave me something big to work toward,” he said. “After Boston in 2017, I realized this dream was within reach. It just took time, patience and staying healthy.”

For Perez Torres, staying healthy also means staying safe, something that matters just as much on the racecourse as it does on the job. Whether preparing for a marathon or leading an audit engagement, he knows that maintaining a strong foundation and avoiding unnecessary risk is key to reaching the finish line.

Abbott World Marathon Majors Completed:

          • Tokyo Marathon – 2024
          • Berlin Marathon – 2021
          • Chicago Marathon – 2019
          • Boston Marathon – 2017
          • New York City Marathon – 2011
          • London Marathon – 2001

His running resume also includes the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, the Caracas Marathon in Venezuela, and 11 Houston Marathons, where he earned “Legacy Runner” status for more than a decade of participation. Of all the races he’s run, none meant more than his first New York City Marathon, which he ran right after losing a loved one.

“I hadn’t trained properly, but I ran anyway,” he said. “That experience is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Applying the Marathon Mindset at Work

This world-class marathoner, who fittingly works at Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC), is just as driven on the job, bringing that same determination and pursuit of excellence to his role as Lead Commercial Auditor, where he helps manage risk across the company’s growing commercial business, which involves leading complex audits, advising on new systems and processes, and making sure everything runs smoothly, on time and by the book.

“Eladio plays a key role in one of our top transformation efforts, taking the time to understand the business, identify risks, and focus on what matters most,” said Lea Vlasek, Financial Operations & Commercial Audit Director at MPC. “His quality mindset comes through in every engagement, and the way he includes and values input from others is why he’s so well respected and what sets him apart.”

He supports the work of MPC’s Commercial Center of Excellence, which aligns the company’s internal audit organization with its commercial strategy. From crude acquisition to marketing, he leads risk-based and advisory engagements that help teams improve performance and deliver results.

“It’s not just about identifying risks,” he said. “It’s about helping the business succeed by offering real value through our insights and recommendations.”

Whether he's in a race or in a meeting, he takes a focused, consistent and grounded approach, starting most mornings with team check-ins, project updates, data analysis and collaboration across the commercial value chain.

“You just stay steady and keep moving forward,” said Perez Torres.

Perez Torres brings more than 25 years of experience in the refining industry, with a career that’s taken him through roles in maintenance, IT capital projects, corporate planning and auditing. His broad understanding of refining, supply, logistics and commercial operations makes him a trusted resource across the business.

As MPC’s commercial team has grown, so has the internal audit function. With the integration of Agile methodology, which is a flexible, team-based approach that emphasizes collaboration, quick feedback, and continuous improvement, along with ongoing data analytics, Perez Torres says the group is evolving to offer stronger insights and smarter solutions.

“Our goal is to support the business with more than just compliance,” he said. “We aim to be partners who help teams strengthen their processes and move forward.”

That kind of perspective doesn’t go unnoticed. Those who work with him say the qualities that carry him through grueling marathon courses show up just as clearly on the job.

“That same drive and dedication he has for running marathons around the world is what he puts into his work too,” said Robert Dominguez, Financial Operations & Commercial Audit Manager at MPC. “While out there he may be running solo, in the office he’s all about the team.”

Words to Live (and Run) By

When it comes to pushing your limits, whether in your career or personal life, Perez Torres believes it all starts with having a clear sense of direction.

“Set goals that matter to you,” he said. “When you care about the outcome, it’s easier to stay motivated, even when it gets tough.”

He points to passion, patience and persistence as the foundation for real progress. Just as important, he says, is knowing when to rest and drawing strength from the people around you.

“Family, friends, coworkers, they’re all part of the journey,” Perez Torres said. “And when you commit to something fully, amazing things really are possible.”

Fast Facts About Eladio Perez Torres

• Current role: Lead Commercial Auditor, Marathon’s Houston office
• Family: Married to Nancy. Twin sons: Eladio Salvador (U.S. Navy) and Ruben Alejandro (data analyst). One granddaughter: Naomi Rae (age 3)
• Hobbies: Traveling, reading, watching sports, learning new cultures
• Fun fact: Currently learning Japanese