Team IMPACT: Meet Richard Houston
The 124th Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 20th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present Team IMPACT. Comprised of a dedicated group of runners that come from different backgrounds and levels of running experience, each of our runners share a passion for our cause – which is to spread awareness and prevention initiatives with regard to the incidences of melanoma around the United States, and, with our lead, the world.
Many of Team IMPACT’s members are survivors, family members of survivors, or a person who has lost a loved one to melanoma. Together, along with our partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, we’ve been able to make great IMPACT over the years raising in excess of $2 million, which has gone to directly benefit IMPACT Melanoma’s mission of prevention, education, support, and advocacy in the fight against melanoma.
As mentioned, each of our team members have unique reasons as to why they’re contributing efforts to Team IMPACT, and, as such, we’re highlighting a handful of them in support of their run, and their campaign to raise necessary funds.
With that in mind, please join us in welcoming and thanking, Richard Houston!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Richard Houston: As a longtime Boston Marathon participant, I was very familiar with the fundraising teams that participate each year.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Houston: In the 2018 BAA, I missed qualifying by a few minutes and I needed to find a way to gain an entry. Since I have had to cope with melanoma, as have several members of my family, I decided to apply to Team IMPACT. Having formerly belonged to the Greater Boston Track Club and having formerly worked at Bill Rodgers Running Center, I was also inspired by Boston Billy’s advocacy of the group.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Houston: I’ve run over 50 marathons. This will be my 32nd official Boston (25th consecutive). My best time at Boston was 2:30 back in 1979. Top finish was 125th back in the 80s when running for Central Mass Striders. I now represent the Cape Cod AC. I’m drawn to the event by the tradition and history.
IM: I know it’s hard to predict, but how do you think this particular run will stack up (from a philosophical/humanitarian/or just straight physical point of view)?
Houston: The main focus for me this year is to enjoy the day and get to the finish safely as I complete my 25th consecutive BAA and gain “streaker” status with the BAA’s Quarter Century Club, which offers a waiver from time qualifying.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Houston: Because of Melanoma’s effect on me and my family, I’m an advocate of safety in the sun. I’m also a high school teacher and spent time each year encouraging my students to follow proper sun safe practices.
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Houston: I pick up my number and go to the expo on Saturday. I then attend the QCC dinner in the North End that night. Team IMPACT has a great breakfast on Sunday. Awesome camaraderie! The night before the marathon I spend with family out in central Massachusetts. That allows me to skip the craziness in Boston on race morning. I like pasta the night before and bagels in the morning.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Richard’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma/richardhouston2
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma
