Local Entrepreneur, Community Leader & PR Pro Makes Her Professional Running Debut at 42

“Walking on a dream” – that’s how Melissa Perlman described it. And on April 21, that dream became a reality as the Delray Beach business owner and lifelong runner made her professional marathon debut at the 2025 Boston Marathon, competing in the Women’s Elite Division at age 42.

Melissa, founder and president of BlueIvy Communications, was selected to join an exclusive group of top women marathoners from around the world – including Olympians and world record holders – after qualifying with one of the nation’s fastest marathon times in 2024.

A Local Story That Inspired a National Audience

Melissa’s athletic career began in the late 1990s as a decorated state champion track and cross-country athlete at Spanish River High School. After stepping away from competitive running in college, she rekindled her passion in her 30s—running her first marathon in 2018 and progressively cutting time with each race.

Now, after seven years of hard training and a top finish at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, Melissa earned a professional invitation to Boston. In the days leading up to the race, she was featured in The Palm Beach Post, where she spoke about breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible at any age.

“I was running with my heart and with a mission—to show that it’s never too late to chase bold goals,” she shared.

📸 See Palm Beach Post Article
📰 Featured in “Runner’s World” and “The Boca Tribune”
👟 Sponsored by @PUMARunning

More Than a Runner

Outside of racing, Melissa is a respected business leader and community builder. Since founding BlueIvy Communications in 2011, she’s helped grow the agency into one of South Florida’s top PR firms, known for authentic storytelling, strategic media outreach, and supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and national brands alike.

Melissa is the former President of the Gold Coast PR Council and currently serves on its board. She is also actively involved in Maccabi USA, an organization that builds Jewish pride through sports. BlueIvy is also a proud member of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.

What’s Next?

Melissa’s story is far from over. Her Boston Marathon debut is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with persistence, purpose, and a whole lot of passion. She’s not just running races—she’s setting the pace for a vibrant, connected, and empowered Delray Beach. She’s already eyeing future races and new goals—while continuing to lead a thriving business and give back to her community.

We’re incredibly proud to see a Delray Beach leader go the distance on one of the biggest stages in the world. She’s proving that with heart, hustle, and a little hometown support—anything is possible.

Follow Melissa’s journey at @melsrunsfast and stay connected with BlueIvy Communications for what’s next.

📷 Photo credit: @guilloatue

🗞️ Media contact: BlueIvy.co