Club History Retold by Member Peg Donovan - Installment #5
- John McGarry
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Who is Peg Donovan: Our most accomplished athlete?
Peg Donovan’s journey in athletics began in New Jersey, though it didn’t start the way most athletic careers do. After a serious accident in which she nearly lost her arm, Peg’s mother encouraged her to start swimming as part of her recovery. She took to the water naturally and began competitive swimming at just six years old.
She was fortunate to train under a young and forward-thinking coach who believed in weight training and cross-training long before those practices became mainstream. Remarkably, the same coach who first guided her as a child would remain her mentor until college—and later became like family. After the passing of her parents, Peg lived with his family, deepening the bond that had started in the pool years earlier.
Peg joined an elite swim team and soon became talented enough to qualify for the Olympic Trials at 14 years old, competing in the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 and 500 freestyle. Though she didn’t make the Olympic team, some of her teammates did.
Following the Olympic Trials, Peg continued to swim competitively while lifeguarding along the New Jersey Shore. One of her favorite memories from that time was participating in the famous lifeguard competitions up and down the coast.
How did Peg make the switch to triathlons?
Her next chapter began when she attended Springfield College in Massachusetts, which brought her to New England. She later met her future husband, Tim, an avid cyclist. Inspired by his passion, Peg took up cycling and running. With her strong swimming background, triathlons were a natural next step—and she quickly proved to be exceptional at them.
Peg’s triathlon career took off. Sponsored by Saucony, she turned professional and began competing on the world stage—all while working as a nurse at Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire. The flexibility of her schedule allowed her to balance training and racing at the highest level.
Her dedication paid off: Peg qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii after earning her spot through an Ironman event on Cape Cod. She went on to place 11th and 14th in the world in her two years competing at Hawaii.
Why did Peg shift her focus to running?
After three and a half years as a professional triathlete, Peg shifted her focus solely to running. She joined early local clubs such as the Granite State Racing Team, Greater Lowell Road Runners, and the Digital Equipment Team, competing in races all across the United States.
Peg’s running achievements are extraordinary. She currently holds 15 New Hampshire state records across various distances and age groups—many of which have stood for over 30 years. Her most recent record came just last year at the Auburn 10-Miler. She has been the top female finisher in many of the region’s premier races, including the Mount Washington Road Race and the New Bedford Half Marathon. With a 1:15 half marathon and a 2:43 marathon to her name, Peg has also placed in the top 25 at the Boston Marathon multiple times.
How did Peg become part of the GDTC?
When the renowned coach George Davis left Greater Lowell to coach the GDTC, Peg followed and joined the club—a decision that’s brought her over 30 years of joy and camaraderie. She fondly recalls the competitive track workouts where the “fast” runners would take turns leading intervals, pushing and encouraging one another to improve.
Some of her favorite GDTC memories include the Boston Prep race, the New England Grand Prix, and the legendary “Weekend Before Hunting Season” 9-mile trail race in Sandown. One particularly wet year, the stream crossing was so deep it was literally over her head!
How has the running scene changed?
“Years ago, there were fewer races, which meant a higher concentration of competitive runners. Today, races are more inclusive—welcoming casual runners and walkers—and that’s a wonderful thing. There’s no longer pressure to be fast to step on the starting line.”
Has Peg passed on her academic and athletic genes?
Athletic excellence clearly runs in the Donovan family. Peg’s daughter Meggie is an active GDTC member who often wins the races she enters. She teaches English and literature at the University of New Hampshire while pursuing her Ph.D. in literature. Peg’s other daughter, Katie, is a physician based in New York City.
Beyond competing, Peg continues to give back to the sport she loves. She serves as an active NHIAA, NCAA, and USATF track and field official, finding immense joy in seeing athletes grow through the years—from middle school to college and beyond.
And through it all, GDTC has remained her home base.
“Greater Derry has been a real support system for me for over 30 years,” she says. “I’ve met remarkable athletes and love how the club gives back to the community—through the soup kitchen, the kids’ summer fun runs, and events like Reach the Beach and the Mill Cities Relay. It’s been an incredible journey.”
For more GDTC Club History, check out: