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.
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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.
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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.
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Information about each of the races is below. I’d love to have see you out there, as either a runner or spectator!
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Don't worry about being fast enough—I want to run with friends and will adjust my pace accordingly. And did I say I'm running five marathons in five weeks? Speed is not a priority!
October 11 — Chicago Marathon
Registration for the 2026 marathon is closed but I'd love to see you in Chi-Town!
For those interested, the Chicago 5k is on the Saturday morning and registration is open.
October 17 — Baltimore Marathon
Registration is OPEN for the Baltimore Running Festival! Join me for the marathon, run the 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, or come spectate!
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The 10k starts with the marathon so we can run the first 2.5 miles together. The half-marathon starts 1.5 hours later and merges with the marathon course, so if you register for that race, we'll run the last 10 miles and finish together!
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When you register, join the 5x5for55 group! If 10 people join, everyone gets $10 off! Password to join is 5x5for55
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.
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We will be traveling with Apostolos Greek Tours, and celebrating in Greece for the next week. Join us on the 12-day tour or register for the race only. ​​
