Some people are Italian teachers. Some people are long distance runners. But Domenico Ponziano, a teacher at Hoover High school, is both.

In August, 2022, Ponziano ran the prestigious Kodiak 100k race in Big Bear, California. The mountain trail is 61 miles long, and at an elevation of 13,000 feet. Out of around 300 racers, Ponziano placed second, at just under 12 hours. But getting to that point wasn’t easy.

Ponziano shared that it took “12 weeks of intense training [where he ran] 80-90 miles a week.”

The Pasadena store “Run With Us” sponsors Ponziano, and hosts meets on Sundays, which provide good practice time. Ponziano usually ran alone, or with his close friend, who is a scientist working at CalTech.

When it came time for the actual race, Ponziano shared that teamwork was an important component. Before the race, Ponziano gathered a group of trusted friends to be his “crew. “They were responsible for feeding and hydrating him at rest stops, and providing any essentials like new pairs of shoes or fresh t-shirts.

“When you’re running 12, 13, 14 hours, it’s important to have people you trust helping you,” Ponziano said.

But Ponziano didn’t just become a long-distance runner overnight.

Before becoming a teacher in 2018, Ponziano was employed in the sales business for a fashion design company. He was working a lot of hours and led a stressful lifestyle.

He found that he wasn’t as healthy as he wanted to be, so he decided to get a gym membership.

But, after a conversation with his wife, he decided that instead of spending money on something he didn’t know he would like, he would try running instead.

He bought his first pair of running shoes, and started running around the block where he lives.

Ponziano felt “mentally refreshed, relieved from stress, and decided to make running a healthy habit in [his] life.”

After much training, Ponziano went from running around his neighborhood, to running over 20 marathons, some more challenging than others.

He attempted the Angeles Crest 100 twice, but the sweltering August heat got the best of him. However, he hopes to try again in the future.

Ponziano isn’t just a champion runner.

He’s also a beloved teacher and inspiring figure.

Currently, he is teaching Italian at Hoover, Toll, and Glendale Community College. He hasn’t found much time for training for races, but looks forward to upcoming marathons in late Spring 2024.

Sadie Peters, a long-time student of his, shared that she admires his teaching style.

“He gives [his students] enough chances to do well in his class,” she said.

Another student, Arianna Soibatian said that “Mr. Ponziano has always [taught] effectively with the power of communication and understanding Italian literacy. He is seen and viewed by many students as a professional marathon runner and an incredible athlete who inspires many students.

It’s clear that no matter how high the mountain is, either on a trail or in the classroom, Ponziano can climb it.