Lia Hillman, Features Editor
On campus, this man races to recruit and enroll new Bison; off campus, he runs in a different capacity.
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Bruce Perkins will be running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. at the end of October.
“I’ve run several half marathons and, of course, some smaller races as well,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to run a full marathon.”
Perkin’s 60th birthday is Oct. 31, and his son wanted him to try something special for his birthday.
Perkins said he wanted to make that happen–for himself and his son.
“He said we ought to run a destination race,” Perkins said.
Perkins and his son began researching full marathons and found the Marine Corps Marathon.
“That’s a great way to celebrate my 60th birthday,” he said.
In March, Perkins was chosen to participate in the marathon by lottery.
“[The Marine Corps Marathon] is a pretty popular destination race,” Perkins said.
“Part of that is because of the course.”
According to the marathon’s website, the race “offers an unparalleled journey through the most recognizable landmarks in our country.”
Perkins will begin and finish the marathon in Arlington, VA. He will have to opportunity to run through Georgetown and Washington D.C.
“It’s a great course,” Perkins said.
“You’re running past great national landmarks and there’s a spirit of patriotism. You don’t get a chance to do a race in that kind of setting just anywhere.”
Perkins has been training for the Marine Corps Marathon since he was chosen to participate.
“There’s a training plan I put together,” he said.
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, he runs about five miles in the morning. On Saturdays, he runs longer distances.
“You gradually increase your mileage on the weekends,” he said.
“I did the longest of my training runs last weekend, which was 21 miles.”
Perkins said he is hoping to have a strong finish.
“It’s always been one of those things on a bucket list,” he said. “This seemed like a good time to do it.”
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