Meet a Front Runner #2 – Tony Fardella

For the second feature in our ongoing series “Meet a Front Runner”, we’d like to introduce you to one of our longest standing members, Tony Fardella.  Tony is known as much for his kinda words of encouragement as he is for his steely determination. Tony is always willing to stay back with new members just taking their first steps into a life long passion of running. Come meet Tony during our Monday or Saturday runs or during one of our social events!
So Tony, when did you start running?
“I started running late in life at the age of 36, prior to that I mainly focused on swimming and working out.”

What is your proudest running accomplishment?
“My proudest running accomplishment was completing my first marathon in Chicago in 2003. I never thought I would complete in one even though I had friends who did them quite often.”

What does being a Front Runner mean to you?
“Being a Front Runner has meant a lot. Sharing a camaraderie with other runners whether just doing a regular run or doing a race. Making new friends, and participating in social events with the group is all part of a dynamic that Front Runners brings.”

What is your favorite race?
“My favorite race is the Philadelphia Rock and Roll half marathon, although the one I have done the most is the Broad Street run as I’ve done it close to 20 times.”

Race Highlights
The race highlights for me since I started running were for a couple of events. One was early on in my Front Runner life, running on a team in the Catskills100k. It was fun and a different experience from regular races. The other is when I turned 50 being able to break 1:40 twice that year in half marathon races. 

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