Burned, Never Defeated: Masoud Owji Rises from the Ashes to Conquer Marathons

"I was just a 17-year-old kid, you know, going to high school and one weekend we were going to a party with some friends and that developed into like a major fire" - Masoud Owji

In this powerful episode we sit down with Masoud Owji, a true survivor and unbreakable runner whose life was forever changed at age 17 during the tragic 1998 Göteborg discotheque fire.

That night claimed 63 lives and left Masoud severely burned and fighting for his survival, enduring years of recovery, surgeries, and unimaginable pain.

Yet from those ashes and through sheer determination, he transformed trauma into triumph, becoming a dedicated marathoner and striving towards the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher medal - one of the rarest achievements in the running world, his final star coming in Boston this April.

Masoud's story is a masterclass in grit, mindset, and the transformative power of movement. Runners of all levels will walk away inspired by his lessons: how to overcome physical and mental barriers when everything feels impossible, the importance of finding meaning beyond the finish lines (like turning pain into motivation), and why consistency and gratitude can turn setbacks into comebacks.

Whether you're chasing a PR, recovering from injury, or simply needing a reminder that limits are often self-imposed, Masoud's journey shows that true endurance isn't about never falling - it's about rising every time.

Burned, but never broken. We thank Masoud for becoming a RUNEGADE and we will be cheering you on at Boston - go get it!

We thank Masoud for sharing his story and we will be cheering you on at Boston ... go get it!

More Masoud:
- Instagram: instagram.com/destinationmaraton
- Help Masoud, donate to his cause here: events.brighamandwomens.org/site/TR/Events/BostonMarathonRebrand

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