Bates, Don

Athletic Accomplishments

With the Cape Cod Athletic Club from the beginning, Don has been a past president, the newsletter editor, and a Runner of the Year all while running a successful family business, Bates Hardware, in Harwich Center. He ran every race, every weekend and was out on the roads every day. His 5:56 50 miler at Coventry, RI stood for many years as the American 50 mile record. For 17 years he ran every day and competed in races with over 100 wins to his credit until an accident briefly sidelined him. Another 11 year streak ended just recently when he visited the hospital for a hip operation from which he is quickly returning to the roads. He continues to coach cross-country and track & field at Harwich High School, a position that he has held for many years.

Special Recognitions

2008 January - inducted into CCAC Hall of Fame