Mark Hopely

​Mark had no love for running at an early age and in fact, finished last in the Presidential Physical Fitness Mile in gym class. Defeat turned into motivation and 2 years and 60lbs of weight loss later Mark made the Kingsway High School track team in his native New Jersey, where he ran varsity XC and track all 4 years. 
 
Mark then ran for Liberty University for 4 years where he earned a Big South title for his 1200m leg on the winning DMR team his freshman year, and contributed to the teams’ 12 conference titles during that time.
 
After graduation Mark set his sights on longer distances and won his debut marathon at the 2013 Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon. He continues to chase PR’s across all distances and is excited to pursue his goals in a GRC jersey.  Mark is a teacher at Shirley Heim Middle School in Virginia.

Personal Bests:
1 Mile – 4:24
3000m – 8:44 (split)
2 Mile – 9:23 (split)
5000m – 15:06
5 Mile – 25:12
15k – 48:42
Half Marathon – 69:23
Marathon: 2:25:56