Derek Surka — Athlete
Runner
I have loved running for as long as I can remember. During kindergarten recess, I organized running races for my classmates. (I’m amazed at how many participated!) Park runs as part of off-season hockey training were fun for me. Then I took up curling, focused more on school, and quit running.
My wife and I dabbled a bit, running the occasional 5k or 10k, and even completed the Walt Disney World Marathon in 1998. It took more than a decade before we ran our next half-marathon. Inspired by her running the 2015 Boston Marathon, I trained for my own BQ in 2017. Seven Boston Marathons later, 26 marathons in total, my love for running is back.
To celebrate my 55th birthday, I plan to run five marathons in five weeks to raise money for the charity Racing for Sustainability, founded by my friend Tina Muir!
My goal is to raise $5500 in honor of my 55th birthday in June, and before my deceased father's birthday on Nov. 20, about a week after my last marathon. You can read about why I chose to partner with Racing for Sustainability and make a donation here.
Information about each of the races is below, including how to track me. I’d love to see you out there!
October 17 — Baltimore Marathon
Marathon #2 Complete!
The weather was pretty perfect for running, low-50's and cloudy the entire time. Had a lot of fun despite the hilly course and feeling the Chicago Marathon in my legs during the second half. Running with friends makes the time go by quickly!
November 8 — Athens Marathon
The OG. What better place to complete the journey? Over two thousand years of history, but there will be no death at the end of this marathon.
We will be traveling with Apostolos Greek Tours, and celebrating in Greece for the next week. Registration is closed and I'll post tracking info if and when it becomes available.
