In 2013, after the attacks at the Boston Marathon, William Bowry made a promise to himself that he would one day run the marathon, fundraising for a charity that was instrumental in helping those affected on that day.
On April 18, after months of training, he will keep that promise.
In 2013, after the attacks at the Boston Marathon, William Bowry made a promise to himself that he would one day run the marathon, fundraising for a charity that was instrumental in helping those affected on that day.
On April 18, after months of training, he will keep that promise.
“There is something unique about the course route (in Boston),” Bowry said. “Not only the infamous challenge of “Heartbreak Hill” (which was specifically chosen to mirror the original Athens route), but also the finish line on Boylston Street, amidst the cheering crowds of the local Bostonians. I would also argue that there is no city in the world that unites with such fervor and passion to support the runners on Marathon Monday.”
Bowry, an English and drama teacher at the British International School of Boston, will run the Boston Marathon as a member of Team Eye and Ear, fundraising to benefit Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear is an independent hospital in Boston, specializing in the care and treatment of patients with disorders of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, head and neck.
Bowry is no stranger to marathons. He ran the London Marathon in 2006 and the Lisbon Marathon in 2008. But the Boston race, he said, will be his biggest challenge to date.
The challenge will be well worth it, however, he said, thanks to his involvement with Team Eye and Ear.
Bowry’s sister, a medical student in the UK, spent a study abroad semester working at Mass Eye and Ear, and after learning more about their mission, Bowry said he knew he wanted to join their marathon team.
Bowry has been working to raise $10,000 for Team Eye and Ear, and has currently raised more than $7,000 toward that goal.
“When I decided to run the Marathon, I definitely wanted to raise money for a charity that was situated in Boston, so the money that I raised would directly affect those in New England.,” he said. “Nonetheless, although Mass Eye and Ear predominantly serves those in New England, it also has an international remit, serving adults and children from over 80 countries.”
Bowry said working with Team Eye and Ear, both in fundraising and in marathon training, has been incredibly motivating.
Bowry runs from his Somerville home to the British International School of Boston two morning mornings a week- an 8-mile jog to start off his day at the school. Each Saturday morning he runs with the rest of the Mass Eye and Ear team. The team runs along the marathon route according to a training schedule.
The training includes running up and down the Boston Marathon’s famous “Heartbreak Hill,” running a little bit farther each training session and ending the runs at the Prudential Center after a 3-mile jog down Beacon Street.
“Seeing the hazy shadow of the Prudential Centre on the horizon is an inspirational symbol to see; I now have an undying love of that 1960s squat piece of architecture,” Bowry joked.
The training has been challenging, he said, but he’s certain his efforts will pay off.
His friends, family and community at the British International School of Boston have been incredibly generous in supporting his marathon fundraising, Bowry said, and he’s looking forward to meeting his $10,000 fundraising goal.
Now. Bowry said, he’s staying focused on Marathon Monday.
“April 18th, if all goes well, will be a very special day in my life; I believe the experience will forever provide a unforgettable memory, in the context of my time in Boston. In 2013, I made a promise to myself that I would one day run the Boston Marathon, and I am hugely looking forward to this year’s event.”
