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.”
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