They’re still hooked on running (by Brent Manley

They just keep on keeping on

By Brent Manley

John Bookas took up running 30 years ago and spent more than 20 years as a member of the MRTC Board of Directors, including a term as president. He left the board in February 2018 but has maintained his connection to the sport he loves, now running about 20 miles a week with his wife, Debi, who has been running 10 years longer than John.

Bookas took up running when he was encouraged to do so by a friend he made in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Bookas Running friends Holly Trowbridge, Debi Bookas and John Bookas pause for a photo has been a pilot at a park in Bartlett. for FedEx for who gather for social running once a week. After that, many years but will retire in February of next year, Bookas started volunteering at MRTC events, joining when he turns 65. When his job takes him on the road, the board in the late 1990s. He became president he finds time to run no matter where he is. He has of the club in 2009, serving in that capacity for two written about many running adventures in a variety of years. John and Debi still run with the Bartlett group. countries for this magazine. Besides his leadership as MRTC president and

After Bookas started running, it wasn’t long work as a volunteer, Bookas used his expertise in video before former MRTC President Paul “Spunky” Ireland presentations to enhance the experience for members introduced John and Debi to the Bartlett Runners, at the annual Holiday Party where runners congregate 9