Runners are a special breed. Their work ethic, dedication and perseverance are unmatched. Hofstra University cross country and track athlete Paul Markovina is no exception. 

Growing up in Old Westbury, Markovina played soccer for Jericho High School. He was recruited by Division III colleges to continue his soccer career, but decided to switch it up. 

“I started running seriously at the end of my junior year in high school,” Markovina said. “I wanted to play a sport in college and I could not see myself playing soccer. I like running because you have a team, but it is an individual sport. If you put in the work, you will succeed.”

His father, Vinko, was a four-year letterman at Fairleigh Dickinson University and was the program’s top runner. 

“I was a chunkier kid,” Markovina said. “Earlier in my life, when my father and I would run, I would go hide. Eventually, my dad swayed me to start running because he knew I could make it in this sport. After 10th grade, he really pushed me to do it and finally got to me.” 

Markovina had an interesting path in high school, but it ended with many accolades. He holds Jericho High School’s 4000-meter and 1600-meter records and was named to the All-Nassau County Cross Country team as a senior. 

“I am driven,” Markovina said. “If I want to set my mind to something, I will do it. There is no time for stupid stuff.”

At Hofstra, Markovina is continuing right where he left off. While many runners have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Markovina started running 100 miles a week, including an 18-20 mile run every Sunday.

“Right when the pandemic hit, I increased my workload,” Markovina said. “I have been working harder than ever. Thankfully, I have stayed healthy during COVID-19.”

Running is not Markovina’s only means of training. After suffering injuries early in his collegiate career, he now focuses on stretching and lifting to prepare himself for competition.

“I do not just go out and run,” Markovina said. “I lift three times a week to make sure my muscles stay strong. I had a string of injuries from the spring of freshman year until the fall of my sophomore year of college, and that caused a major turning point in my running career. Things needed to change.”

With a strong support system, structured regimen and a work ethic like no other, the future is bright for Markovina.

“The quote I live by is, ‘Hard work is the key to success,’” Markovina said. “I might not be the most talented, but I will sure as hell be the hardest working.”