Robins man to run half marathon for American Heart Association

ROBINS - Some 20 years ago, Roger Hallquist set his sites on running a half marathon.

But, as often the case, other things got in the way.

'Life got complicated with kids and my job and I never got around to it,” he said.

Next month, however, Hallquist, 59, of Robins, will get the chance to check a half marathon off his bucket list when he runs the San Diego Rock ‘n' Roll Half Marathon on June 4. Along the way, he'll also be raising money for the American Heart Association.

Hallquist's excursion to San Diego is made possible through insurance company Transamerica, where he works as an actuary in the Cedar Rapids office. For the last couple of years, Transamerica has partnered with the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, which hosts races around the world each year, said Jim Van Someren, director of public affairs for Transamerica. In 2016, Transamerica employees ran in eight races around the United States and this year Transamerica sent two employees to both the Washington, D.C., and Dallas races. Transamerica covers the race registration and travel-related expenses, such as lodging and airfare, for its employees.

With this year being the 20th year of the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, Transamerica put a call out to employees who had been with the company for 20 years. Hallquist fit the bill.

'When this opportunity came up, I figured, ‘Yeah, I'll submit my name,' ” he said.

Hallquist was selected and he's been on a 14-week training schedule since late February, running three days a week and cross-training two days a week.

'It's going well,” he said. 'I've got a training schedule with the help of some wellness people here and some other folks who have run. So far, so good.”

In addition to partnering with the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, Transamerica has also partnered with the American Heart Association to raise funds for the organization. As part of Transamerica's Go-Givers program, employees who are running start at the back of the pack and - for each runner they pass - Transamerica makes a $1 donation to the American Heart Association.

With the San Diego half marathon, Hallquist should have ample opportunity to raise money.

'They're anticipating 15,000 (participants) in the half marathon,” Van Someren said.

Hallquist, who had a heart attack nearly a decade ago, said he's hoping to pass 2,000 - 3,000 people during the race. His goal is to run the half marathon in about two-and-a-half hours. His wife, Ruth, will be cheering him on during the race.

Hallquist said he's not only running the race for the American Heart Association, but for his family, as well.

'I've got two grandchildren - 3 and 1; I'm running for them, too,” he said. 'To show them it doesn't matter how old you are, you can do anything you want to.”

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com