Bob Potter has one goal for today’s Prefontaine Memorial Run: To honor his family.

Potter, a retired Army sergeant from Manhattan, Kan., has always wanted to run the race but never was in the area at race time.

This year, forces were working in his favor. He said a friend from one of the many high schools he attended as a teen invited him to a class reunion in Portland.

For Potter, it meant a chance to see his sister, brother, and sister-in-law, who all live in the Bay Area. The timing was right, and he knew he could run the race. He is running in today’s race as No. 35 in the 65-69 age division.

His hope is to win, but regardless, he is in it to honor a brother that he feels should still be here today, he said.

Preparing for the 10K race, Potter has undergone a training program different than what many younger runners would do, he explained. His preparations included running 10 days during a two week period and alternating between long runs (5 to 6 miles),  jogs and the type of grade.

It was a challenge. During the training, Potter said he experienced some issues with medication he is on to address his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as some injuries. Potter is a Vietnam War veteran.

“I just ran through the pain,” he said. He points to a higher power pushing him to meet the goal he has set, as well as the support of his wife Martha.

“I wouldn’t be here without the grace of God,” he said.

The Prefontaine Memorial Race is not Potter’s first 10K. He ran his first 10K race while stationed in Germany — that was 1973. He came in second. Since then, he has run in the 2004 Boston Marathon in the 65-69  age division.