Jarhead's running journey
"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.” ~ LC

Donald “Jarhead” Peterson

Born (1969) in Port Alberni, B.C. to American parents. He has one older sibling, a brother, James. Donald spent most of his childhood on the West Coast of British Columbia, moving from one logging community to another, with his parents. His father, John, worked as a manager for McMillian Bloedel Ltd. These communities included Campbell River, Port Alberni, Duncan, and Nanaimo. In addition, a couple of years were spent on the Queen Charlotte Islands, in a small logging camp (Juskatla) near Port Clements. In the summer, before his senior year of high school, Donald moved to the State of Washington with his father. He finished his schooling in Washington, graduating from Oakville High School.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served active duty from 1988 to 1992. His recruit training (boot camp) was done at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Advance training, was done at the Assault Amphibian School, Camp Del Mar area, Camp Pendleton, California. After training, he was stationed in Hawaii, at Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay. He was deployed for both Desert Shield and Desert Storm Operations.

After being Honorably Discharged, he moved back to Washington and attended college, where he started work on a degree in Education and Philosophy. During this time, a brief visit with his brother in Vancouver, B.C., inspired him to move back to British Columbia.

Donald now lives in Victoria, B.C. and works as a Systems Administrator for a local supply company. He took up running as a way to get fit and stay in shape. He ran his first organized race in 1999, the Royal Victoria 8km, finishing in 34:22. Donald is currently a member of the Island Road Racers Running Club and is active in the Vancouver Island running community. He has run the Royal Victoria Marathon three times, many Half-Marathons and numerous races of shorter distances. In 2006 he ran his first three ultra distance races and was instantly hooked.

Donald is a single father, to a beautiful daughter (known as T) who brings so much love and joy to his life. Donald grew up with parents who loved the outdoors. Camping, fishing and beach combing were a regular occurrence for his family. He continues that lifestyle with T. They spend many days exploring the beaches and wilderness of Vancouver Island. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with T, spending time with friends, camping, beach combing, playing volleyball, reading, writing poetry and breakfasts at Mo:lé.