Name: Graham Perkins
Residence: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Age: 24
Years running: 5
Type of running: Anything on trails, and the more mountains the better. I like going out for at least a couple hours, and I’ve raced everything from 5 k’s to 50 k’s. If I’m not working or running/hiking, I’m probably playing soccer, canoeing, or at yoga. Cause that’s how we do it on the west coast!
Why start: I ran track in elementary school and I’ve played soccer my whole life, but my favourite thing to do is explore – and running gives you the ability to experience new environments at a fast pace. My mom has run over 20 marathons, so I guess it’s in my blood.
Weekly mileage: 30 – 60 k
Accomplishments: I’ve run over 20 races and usually finish in the top 10%, and I think I’m the only person to do five laps at the local Stairclimb for Clean Air each February.
Most memorable moment: Hikestravaganza last summer. Every year on for my birthday at the end of August I try and do all my favourite hikes on the Sea to Sky corridor, which means waking up at 3 am and hiking until dark. Garibaldi, the Squamish Chief, the Lions, and the Grouse Grind to finish off. I think the distance works out to 60 k and the elevation gain alone is 5200 metres. The feeling of summiting a giant mountain never gets old.
Hardest thing ever run: Kneeknacker 50 k. I’m running it for the third year in a row in a few weeks and it always kicks my ass.
Favourite race: Kneeknacker, because the support from the community and all the volunteers is incredible.
Race I want to do the most: The Kepler Challenge in New Zealand. I spent two weeks there a few years back and I can’t wait to return. Some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.
Favourite spot to run: West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, a 75 k journey through prime pacific northwest rainforest and beach. For a nature junkie like me, it’s the ultimate playground.
Favourite post run meal/drink: Sushi. All you can eat salmon sashimi and tuna tataki is the greatest reward ever.
Heroes: My mom and all the volunteers that keep local running scenes alive.
Goals for 2012: Keep upping my mileage and step up to a 100+ k race next year.
Advice to other Run Bums: For me, running has always been more of a lifestyle than a sport. I feel at home running through the mountains, but I’m always looking out for a new trail or a cool spot to bushwhack. Racing is fun, but I have the best time when I’m deep in the woods, hopping over logs and crawling through ferns. The whole world is a playground if you look at it the right way, so jump in with a smile and love every second of it.
Why we chose Graham as a Run Bum HERO:
Graham embodies the true runner. He runs for fun. He hikes, bikes, canoes, does yoga and just loves life. You have to see this guy on a trail. He takes nothing for granted as is happier than can be whenever outside. We wish more people had this zest for life. He is an ambassador for North Vancouver. The mountains are his back yard and he takes full advantage of them. Graham is funny and successful. We are glad to have met this AMAZING GUY! If you are in the Vancouver area and want to get out side, give this guy a shout.
