Adelaide runner Asa Cowell completes 50th marathon in 50 days for SA charity Catherine House

An emotional Adelaide runner has completed his goal of running 50 marathons in as many days for an SA charity.

50 days ago Asa Cowell set out to complete the mammoth task of running a marathon each day to raise $50,000 for women experiencing homelessness.

And on Saturday morning, he completed his goal in style while being cheered on by his nearest and dearest at Seacliff Beach.

The red carpet was rolled out for the 50-year-old and his small but mighty purple army of supporters to cross the finish line to the sound of applause and Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra.

Asa Cowell, centre, finishes running his 50th marathon in 50 days at Seacliff raising money for Catherine House. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Among those waiting for him at the end were his proud children Riley, 16, and Skyla, 17, with Mr Cowell fighting back tears as he pulled them both into a hug.

“As we came over the last kilometre, it was time to reflect, time to give hugs and handshakes and as we came round and saw that finish (line) it got a bit overwhelming,” he said.

“It was amazing, my family have had my back (...) it was rewarding everyday to know I had people who were backing me.”

An emotional Asa Cowell, hugs his son Riley. Picture: Brenton Edwards

When he set out for his final run early that morning he had raised around $48,500.

It wasn’t until afterwards that he learnt that he had reached his goal, raising just over $50,000 for SA charity Catherine House which provides crisis accommodation for women.

“I’m very, very happy that everything came together,” he said.

He was also grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and the friends made along the way that kept him motivated.

Mr Cowell was joined by old and new friends throughout his journey. Picture: Supplied

The “life changing” funds are enough to cover almost a year of accommodation for one woman.

Catherine House Philanthropy and Engagement Manager Jaylee Copper had nothing but praise for Mr Cowell

“It does change lives and its 329 nights that a woman could feel that she could walk safely through our doors (...) but we could not do it without support from the community.

“Catherine House is the only women’s homelessness service in South Australia and the demand for our service has never been higher.

“So what you’ve done Asa is so incredible not only for the women that we support but as we’ve said for the awareness in the community.”

Asa Cowell with his son Riley and daughter Skyla. Picture: Brenton Edwards

While his main priorities are to rest and spend time with his family, he’s already thinking about his next run.

“I won’t lie over the last week I’ve started thinking if there was another challenge in me and I think there may well be,” he said.

“However, first I’ve got to give time to my family (...) I’m looking forward to getting my son out and daughter out and doing some summer activities with them because dad won’t be needing an afternoon nap.”

While Mr Cowell’s marathon is now complete, you can still donate to his fundraiser here: www.catherine-house-community-fundraising.raisely.com/asa-cowell

Originally published as Adelaide runner Asa Cowell completes 50th marathon in 50 days for SA charity Catherine House