Jason Boschan’s running journey began with a bold move during his college days in London back in 2000. Despite little training, he decided to run the London Marathon, driven by his fundraising efforts. Encouraged by his dorm mates’ skepticism, Boschan defied expectations and completed the race, setting the stage for his future in marathoning.
After college, Boschan embarked on a career in marketing and settled in South Carolina. A spontaneous invitation to the New York City Marathon in 2010 reignited his passion for running. Around the same time, his grandfather’s dementia diagnosis inspired Boschan to start “Run4Papa,” a fundraising initiative for dementia research.
Driven by his grandfather’s legacy and a desire to make a difference, Boschan set ambitious goals to run marathons across continents. From the Great Wall Marathon in China to the Everest Marathon in Nepal, he tackled challenging terrains, raising over $50,000 for dementia research.
Despite his lack of formal training, Boschan completed marathons on all seven continents, including unique races like the Big Five Marathon in South Africa. His dedication to the cause and his grandfather’s memory fueled his quest to run in all 50 U.S. states, with the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon in Duluth marking his 42nd state.
Through his initiative, Run4Papa, Boschan has raised over $381,000 for dementia research, emphasizing transparency in his fundraising efforts. His commitment to self-funding his races showcases his dedication to the cause, ensuring that every donation directly supports research initiatives.
While Boschan’s running journey has been remarkable, it hasn’t been without challenges. The tragic events at the Boston Marathon in 2013, where he was unable to finish due to the bombing, stand as a poignant reminder of the resilience needed to overcome adversity.
Despite the setbacks, Boschan’s unwavering dedication to his cause and his grandfather’s memory continues to inspire others. His unique approach to fundraising through running exemplifies the power of individual initiatives in making a meaningful impact on global health challenges.
As Boschan prepares to conquer the remaining states in his quest, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of personal commitment and the enduring legacy of those who inspire us.
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