Don Cowap

I first came to Boston 45 years ago, in 1980, when I was working as a lifeguard on an American summer camp. Had great times here with my newfound American friends as we spent our days off in this wonderful city. Six or seven years later I joined Lotus Development, the software company, who were headquartered in Boston, so I visited regularly while Lotus thrived. It wasn’t until 2005 that I ran my first marathon in London and many years later that I decided to try and run all 6 majors. I gradually ‘knocked off’ NYC, Chicago, and Berlin before an amazing trip to Tokyo last year. Unfortunately I have had some health issues over the last couple of years but I was fixated on completing all six! Boston is the hardest marathon major and I had to dig very very deep to complete this one. It really was touch and go whether I would make it to the start, let alone the finish. I had so much encouragement from my sons, family, friends, and strangers but at the end of the day it was down to me; mind over matter, determination, willpower, and overcoming the pain. The bus journey out to the start is very intimidating as you just get further and further away from Boston, knowing that you are going to get dropped off 26 miles away and will have to make your own way back! The crowds were amazing though, particularly ‘The Scream Tunnel’ as you pass Wellesley College where the girls screams are so loud, you can hear them from a kilometre away! You can’t help but be pulled along by their huge encouragement! Heartbreak Hill at the 20 mile mark is a killer, but the crowds and support throughout the course are amazing. Literally carried along over the last few miles. I don’t think it would have ever crossed my mind as a 23 year old in 1980 that the 68 year old Don would be back here in 2025 running his 6th major marathon. Super happy and super proud of myself. I think young Don would have been surprisingly pleased too! Boston Strong🙏🏼😁🥇#bostonstrong #bostonmarathon #boston #marathon #abbottworldmarathonmajors #abbottsixstar #sportstoursinternational #cheersbar #running #totaltritraining #wilmslowrunningclub #screamtunnel #wellesleycollege #heartbreakhill