FRANK ALONGI

Frank Alongi may be the one contributor listed in this book who never race walked competitively. An Olympic 5K runner, his interest in our sport evolved because his brother Casimiro was a race walker.

For years Alongi opened his house to young upstart race walkers for week-long training camps. He and his wife offered limitless generosity. I should know, I was one of their guests.

For 19 years Alongi organized the Casimiro Alongi Classic. Bringing international athletes to America, often at his own expense, the Alongi Classic showed America what a quality race walk competition was all about. While the Casimiro Alongi Classic is no longer held, the Alongi in Marin Classic 5K celebrates its 11th anniversary this year.

Alongi is a teacher as much as a coach. Writing papers on the biomechanics of race walking and instructing nearly every race walking judge in Michigan, Alongi remains active today, providing race walking seminars at the event that bears his name.