By Jacob Halbesma, Staff Writer

This past March, Xavier senior Adam Fowler completed the fastest run ever across Massachusetts: a 150-mile, four day challenge that raised money for Newton Firefighters Children’s Fund. 

Fowler ran six to nine hours each day, promoting his cause and collecting donations through social media posts along the way.

Fowler, who has worked with companies like On, a popular running shoe company, is a competitive and trained runner. He previously ran in the Boston Marathon and participated in music producer Diplo’s Run Club event in New York City.

“I have always loved big challenges and seeing what I am capable of. My friend ran across Utah and raised money for a cause. It made me wonder if I could do something similar, but in my own way,” Fowler said. 

Fowler started his run on the western border of Massachusetts and eventually reached the end in Boston, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

The run did not come without its obstacles, however. 

“During the run, my Achilles, knees, and feet were in pain. But nothing could stop me,” Fowler said.

Running at a 11-12 minute-per-mile pace, Fowler ran for a combined 30 hours. He ended up putting in almost nine consecutive hours of running on the third day, going 43.4 miles.

“What kept me going was three things: raising money for firefighters, exploring my potential and inspiring others. During the most challenging parts of the run, I would think back to things I have been through, or people close to me had been through,” Fowler said. 

In the end, Fowler ended up raising $8,500 in donations and charity for the Newton Firefighters Children’s Fund, an organization that gives to families who have lost a mother or father due to firefighting.

“When I finished, I was really grateful to have accomplished such a big goal I set out to achieve, raising money for a cause I cared about. But more importantly, grateful for anyone who supported me,” Fowler said. He ran with multiple friends and family members along the way, giving him the morale boost and company needed to keep going.

He learned lessons about accomplishing goals and persevering through struggle, lessons that he will carry with him into his post-graduate career soon. As a Marketing and Entrepreneurship major, he has been able to work with companies like Goodwipes to help sponsor and manage large-scale running events, blending his love for innovation and running into one vocation.

Fowler prides himself on being charitable and doing everything for a cause. Last year for his run at the Boston Marathon, he rose over $10,000 representing The Webb Norden Foundation, an organization that provides funding and resources for children and young adults affected by a traumatic event.

As for what is next for Fowler, he will be running in the upcoming Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20. He will attempt to beat his time of 3:33:12 from last year.