VIDEO: Two Eau Claire Firefighters are gearing up for a new challenge that's 140 miles long, and have a special reason for taking part in the race. On Sunday thousands of athletes from all over the country will make their way to Madison, Wisconsin for the IRONMAN triathlon. Among them will be Pat Hamler and Jeff Patrow, firefighters with the Eau Claire Fire Department. They will be joining ten others to compete with Team Firefighter, a non-profit organization that promotes healthy living for those dedicated to fighting flames. "The concept of the team is basically to bring that healthy lifestyle in to firefighters. We do a really good job of being healthy when we come on the job initially, but through the aspects of the job we don't necessarily keep that healthiness and that fitness level up. That's what Team Firefighter tries to encourage, is firefighters out there doing what they can do to make sure they stay healthy," said Charles Barrette, the president of Team Firefighter. This year, the 140 mile triathlon falls on the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, a significant day for firefighters. Hamler said it will give a new meaning to the marathon test of endurance. "That date obviously holds a special place in the hearts of firefighters, so we're out there racing to remember our brothers and sisters and that tragic day," said Hamler. "We're just going to be out there racing to remember and not forget what happened that day." In 2014 Hamler and Patrow ran in the Eau Claire Marathon in full gear. On Sunday the two will drop that weight, but will be adding over 100 miles. Whether in their fire department uniform or their Team Firefighter one, they will be unified in their effort.