Success Stories
Race Scholarship Recipient & First Time Racer Crushes St Pete Half Marathon
Ivan Tkachenko
So, I survived my first half marathon and enjoyed so much that I thought I would share my story. I finished my FIRST half-marathon with time 01:42:26 and pace 07:49, age group 19th and gender 93rd place.
My name is Ivan, I am 39 and originally, I am from Ukraine. Since school time I always choose running among all activities. Running has provided me with an escape. Its given me independence, strength, space, peace, and joy. After 2 months with this group, I found out that I could easily run 6-8 miles per day, and I knew I could do more.
One day the president of the group told me about a trip to the St. Petersburg Run Fest to run a half Marathon and I without hesitation was agreed. On this trip, we had 5 FRWFL members and we had a great time, discovering Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St Petersburg downtown, nightlife, and trying new meals but I knew behind these fun activities I must prepare for my first half marathon. Obviously, I did not know anything about it and I just trusted and started to follow all advice that they told me.
The most memorable part was that a group of people can support you and be with you in this important part of your life and be sincerely happy then you achieve your own goal. I will never forget Kevin's “Power up ” that gave me a lot of energy during the run, Mike and Justin gave me support, and Eric the motivation. No matter how many half marathons I will run in my lifetime, I don't think I will forget that experience and the people who were around me.
I strongly believe that this group gives you more than just run, they give you a social environment, motivation, support, happiness, and friendship. I am proud to be a member of Front Runners and Walkers Fort Lauderdale and grateful for the Race Scholarship I was awarded.
Ernesto Gutierrez Completes First Sprint Triathlon
1:26.26 Finish Time for the Mack Cycle Sprint Tri Trilogy #2
Second year member, Ernesto Gutierrez finished strong in the Mack Cycle Sprint Triathlon in Key Biscayne on July 21, 2019. Ernesto has trained for over 6 month's with our Tri-Training Crew to complete this goal. He overcame what is often the greatest fear for runners who decide to attempt a triathlon - a concern about the strength of one's swimming skills. But he kept at it, and like most people found out that swimming in open water successfully is mostly a mental challenge, especially when other competitors might accidentally kick you in the head...that and staying ahead of the alligators, LOL. His training teammates, Pedro, Miguel, Eric R, Hero, Sal, Eric E and John congratulate him as do all the members of Front Runners and Walkers Fort Lauderdale.
Interested in training for a triathlon with us? Email President@FRWFL.org
Member's Spotlight
Keys 100
The 13th annual KEYS100 was held the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, 2020. A point to point race starting at Key Largo for 100 miles over the scenic highway to Key West. Front Runners had two teams represented this year.