Bob Fowler

Bob Fowler was a native Newfoundlander whose family emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1898. He attended school at St. Bonaventure’s Collegiate in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Fowler ran for the Cambridgeport Gymnasium, first entering local races in 1901. He competed in multiple marathon races, finishing second at Boston in 1907, third in 1905 and 1908, and fourth in 1911, and was called “The Ancient Marathoner” in the local Boston papers. On New Year’s Day 1909, Fowler won the Yonkers Marathon in 2-52:45.4, run mostly on the track, but in -18º C. (0º F.) weather, setting a world record for the marathon, although it lasted for only 41 days.

Fowler has been listed as American in the records of the 1904 and 1906 Olympics for many years, because of his club affiliation, but recent research reveals he did not become an American citizen until 16 September 1907. In 1906 he was definitely a member of the first formal USA Team in Athina. After retiring from competition he was coach at Williams College before accepting an offer to coach the Brazilian Navy’s track athletes. He later worked as an electrician at the Boston Navy Yard.

Personal Bests: Mar – 2-52:45.4 (1909); Mar (short course) – 2-26:42 (1908).