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.


Congratulations to our Front Runners

Island City Canoe Race

Egg Hunt Triathlon

FTL Shamrock 4-Miler

Riverwalk 5K