Competing in two big races this year means a lot to Tom Gelson – not just so he can beat his best time, but because it is a way to show gratitude to those who defend America.

The 49-year-old father of five qualified for the Boston Marathon and was selected to compete in the International Triathlon Union’s Spring World Championship as part of Team USA, which are April 21 and August 28, respectively.

“All of us coming out and being so energetic about this year’s running is also saying thank you, not only to our troops, but all the law enforcement officials,” said Gelson.

This year will mark his third run in the Boston Marathon, and like many runners, the race is particularly important after last year’s bombings.

“It is special running this year,” said Gelson. “I think we’re all very patriotic right now. I’m psyched to wear the Team USA uniform.”

With the support of his wife, Christina Feldkamp-Gelson, he qualified for Boston last may in the Buffalo Marathon, and last month found out he had qualified for Team USA as one of 18 athletes in his age group.

Gelson, the founder and CEO of the online data storage solution company, More Solutions Group in Wareham, said he began training in 1999 as a hobby.

Gelson has participated in a half and a full Ironman triathlon, including the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in 2001. Last year he won the Mattapoisett Triathlon sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club and was named a 2013 USA Triathlon All-American.

"My kids simply say. 'Not bad for an old guy,'" said Gelson.

He competed in the USA Triathlon National Championship in Milwaukee last summer, which qualified him for the world championship. Being chosen for Team USA was on his bucket list.

Wearing stars and stripes, Team USA will compete at the end of August in Edmonton, Canada. Amateur athletes from 50 countries will gather at the event.

“I would love to be competitive up there,” he said of the August event.

For the Boston Marathon, Gelson wants to stay under three hours. Most of all, he’s happy to be a part of it.

“I had to qualify,” said Gelson. “My favorite saying is never give up, never give in. I think it’s a great rally cry for this year’s marathon.”