This week we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Bruce Levine, who recently completed his 14th Ironman — one of the most grueling endurance events in the world. An Ironman begins with a 2.4-mile swim, continues with a 112-mile bike ride, and finishes with a full 26.2-mile marathon. Races start at dawn and can last all day. Bruce’s latest took place in Ottawa, Canada — an achievement few can even imagine attempting, let alone finishing.

At 58, Bruce is a devoted husband, father, and Amherst resident. He owns 3d Development Group, a successful affordable housing development company, and serves as an active board member of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Preparing for an Ironman requires extraordinary discipline. For eight months leading up to a race, Bruce trains six days a week, rising early for demanding workouts: swimming 3,000–5,000 yards two or three times a week; cycling 40–100 miles three times a week; and running 5–18 miles three to four times a week — outdoors in all conditions.

Bruce’s passion began early, with one of his first triathlons at age 16 on Staten Island. Since then, his Ironman journey has taken him across the U.S. (Arizona, Maryland, Florida, Wisconsin, California, Tennessee, Kentucky, and twice in Lake Placid), across Canada (Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario), and to Europe (Austria and Denmark).

Some races have tested more than his endurance. Before one event in Austria, the airline lost all his luggage — including his bike. He and his wife Corey spent the day before the race scrambling to replace gear. The equipment was far from ideal, but Bruce still crossed the finish line.

He credits Corey and their adult children, Ben and Jordan, for standing by him through decades of training and competition. Their support makes each finish line even more meaningful.

Now, Bruce has his sights set on the ultimate prize: competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in 2026.

So next time you meet Bruce Levine, you can say you know a true Ironman.

We are grateful to Craig Z. Small, attorney and President of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, who submitted content for today’s spotlight.