Bill Markunas, 56, of Shenandoah Valley, Virginia is a former corporate banker turned caregiver, family man, and ultra-runner. Originally from Connecticut, Bill has always been active. As a child, Bill started playing soccer around age 9. Bill’s father, who happened to be very involved in his soccer leagues, created a “boot camp” style training regimen to build up his son’s running speed and endurance for games. These father-son boot camp sessions are where Bill first realized he was good at running, however, he did not pursue running more seriously until later in life. Bill continued to play soccer throughout his adolescence and went on to make his high school’s soccer team. Post high school, Bill attended USMC Business School and Abilene Texas Commercial College. While in college, he started running for leisure to stay in shape as he was no longer playing team sports like he did during his teenage years.
Post college, Bill decided to make a home for himself in Texas. Although quite busy working full-time and starting a family of his own, Bill continued to stay active through running. In 1999, Bill ran his first full marathon in Dallas at the age of 39. He became instantly hooked to running competitive distances and has not looked back. Bill has raced in dozens and dozens of marathons and ultramarathons; he used to run in three marathons every year. Bill also competes in triathlons. To date, some of the most memorable races Bill has done include:
- Hotter’N Hell Hundred (2000-2009)
- Children’s Miracle Network Marathon, PR’d (2011)
- XTERRA Triathlon. PR’d (2003-2004)
- XTERRA Triathlon Nationals (2004)
- Ironman 70.3 (2010-2014)
- HITS 140.6 Mile Triathlon (2012)
- Boston Marathon (2012)
- All 3 Amigos Triathlons and Ultramarathons (2011-2017)
- Belmonte 50K Endurance Run (2017)
- The “Nutt” Endurance Challenge 25K (2017)
- Promise Land 50K (2017), Under 8 hrs
In addition to the many races already under his belt, Bill is gearing up to do the May 2017 Soapstone 22K trail race in his home state of Connecticut. He is also planning on marching the Ruck to Remember 60 Miler. When Bill isn’t participating in a race, he enjoys volunteering at them. This summer, he will be volunteering at several different Spartan and Rugged Maniac Obstacle Course Races which benefit Operation Enduring Warrior. He also enjoys both mountain and road biking, hiking, swimming, dancing, and spending time with his adult children and grandchildren. Both Bill’s children live across the country. His son Eric is an MIT graduate with a career in Silicon Valley; while his daughter Christina is a Funeral Director in West
The XOSKIN team recently had the opportunity to meet Bill at the Bel Monte 50 Miler and have since made him part of the XOSKIN family. Bill is an XOSKIN ambassador and influencer in his local community. We are excited to work closely with Bill and to see him compete in his upcoming races and events Bill is a very inspiring athlete and we appreciate his passion for our products.
David Horton (left) with Bill (right) after the 2017 Promise Land 50K.
” I recently completed a grueling hot humid 34 mile trail race. The XOSKIN sleeveless shirt, compression shorts, and anklet socks received an A+ for their performance in training and the race. Amazing heat dissipation during the hot 90’s temperature. No chafing ANYWHERE! A surprising bonus was that I wore my ruck backpack and unlike all my other tec shirts, the XOSKIN shirt did NOT ride up and expose my skin to rubbing from the backpack. I also am a believe in the microbial effect of this gear..NO STANK. The best part of the product is the community of people that are uplifting to each other. Godspeed to them all…” – Bill Markunas
