Andrew Kotulski

Kotulski, 68, from Montclair, New Jersey, has run above 560 international marathons in 33 countries.

Kotulski began running in 1976 and will run in his 28th Boston Marathon this year.

“I run because I find it therapeutic for mind, body and soul,” Kotulski said. “It’s a wonderful experience to combine traveling and marathoning. It has brought me to some wonderful people and places, and I enjoy the well being of fitness and a good lifestyle.”

Kotulski’s record is also quite admirable concerning his finishing status, having placed in his age bracket at least three times in every state, including at least one first-place finish in each state.

Kotulski does not find training to be easy following a near-death experience in 2001. As a result of a reduced cardiovascular capacity, the effort of training is now a continuous challenge, according to Kotulski.

Kotulski’s goals include continuing to run in places he hasn’t run before and to continue to run marathons in a Boston-qualifying time.

“Everyone should run a Boston,” Kotulski said, “and the marathon in Athens. I also enjoy the trail runs in California.”