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Fredonia grad returns home to run virtual Boston Marathon

Charles Mancino

Former Fredonia Central School cross country and track athlete Charles Mancino returned to the area to run the 124th Boston Marathon in Fredonia on Saturday.

“I came back to Fredonia to complete my race since this is where my running career started,” said Mancino, who now lives in Southeast Michigan. “It was a great experience because I had friends and family come out and support me. Additionally, I had Coach Mark Fitzgerald and Coach Carol Zirkle, my former high school cross country coaches, bike next to me for most of the race.”

This was Mancino’s fourth marathon and his first Boston Marathon. He completed the race in 3:11:19.

“It was my slowest marathon to date, but since we are unable to use our time to qualify for any race, I figured I would make a very hard course,” he said. “The course was lined with small, steep hills and featured two large hills at the end. Additionally, I ran past places that held meaning to me.”

The course ran through Fredonia, Dunkirk, Pomfret and Laona. Mancino also qualified for the 2020 Chicago and New York City Marathons, both of which deferred his entry to future dates.

“I’d like to congratulate all 2020 Boston Marathon finishers and look forward to the day that we all can run Boston together,” he said.

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