Tony Cerminaro
Age: 80
Residence: Jermyn, Pa.
Number of marathons completed: 106
Age when running career began: 50
Occupation: Retired welder
As a national record holder, Tony Cerminaro wants to do more than just finish in Boston.
“I want to see if I can win my age group,” he says. “That’s my goal.”
In October, Cerminaro, a 24-time Boston finisher, ran an impressive 3 hours and 57 minutes at the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, Pa., breaking the national age group record for 80 to 84-year-olds.
He’s aiming to run 4 hours and 5 minutes in Boston.
“You never know,” he says. “It depends on the day, how you feel. I just go and I run.”
Cerminaro started running 30 years ago when a friend badgered him into tagging along on a run. It was a hot and miserable day and, after they finished, Cerminaro told his friend he was done running.
“You have to take care of your body. What you eat means a lot.”
But he gave it another chance, went to a race and has been hooked ever since.
Cerminaro, who runs 60 miles a week, has completed a whopping 107 marathons, 13 50-milers and countless other races.
“I love to be out there running,” he says. “When you get done, it makes you feel good, especially after a long run.”
Cerminaro credits his vegetarian diet and his wife’s good cooking with keeping him healthy.
“You have to take care of your body,” he says. “What you eat means a lot.”
His advice for other senior runners is simple: Don’t be discouraged by your age.
“Usually I’m the oldest guy in the race,” he says. “You just go out and do your best, even if you are older.”
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest for more tips, recipes and ideas to fuel your ACTIVE life.
Find your next race.
- 4
- of
- 4
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article