Dan DiFonzo is a public relations professional who has been writing for RunWashington, usually about his native Montgomery County, since 2014. That includes a tribute to friend and fellow coach Mike Broderick, published earlier this year. Read more of his work here
Name: Dan DiFonzo
Self-described age group: 55-60
Residence: Rockville, Md.
Occupation: Public Relations Professional
Volunteer roles in the running world: (as applies) Pacer for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler, Coach for MCRRC’s Experienced Marathoners Program (XMP), MCRRC Race Announcer, various MCRRC volunteer roles
Why you run: The endorphin high, camaraderie, and achieving short and long term goals. .
When did you get started running: I’ve been running since elementary school.
Have you taken a break from running: Not often. Usually forced breaks due to the occasional injury.
Training shoe: Asics Nimbus
Coach or training group: XMP
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Hmmmmm….probably my first marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon in 1994.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Continuing to run the JFK 50 miler after losing vision about mid-way through the race.
Running mentors: All of the fellow coaches who I currently run with.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Rock Creek Park
Favorite local trail: Rock Creek Trail
My best race was: Steamtown Marathon
Favorite local race: Parks Half Marathon
Ideal post-run meal: Chocolate Milk
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: GU Espresso Love–2X Caffeine!
Pet peeve: Spelling errors
Goals: To continue running pain-free
Your advice for a new runner: Just run easy
Favorite running book: The New Competitive Runners Handbook
Song in your head during a run: Don’t Fear the Reaper
Have you dealt with a major injury: Thankfully, no. Just a few bouts of plantar fasciitis and some nagging meniscus fragments floating in my knee.
Running quote: Enjoy Every Step
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: Great trails, great sights and great people.
Recent Stories
Divided lanes coming to Hains Point, safety measures in the works for the Mount Vernon Trail, three locals make national high school XC meet, local collegians race at NCAAs.
St. Albans and GVS’s Vivian Kelly won their first DC cross country titles while St. Johns’ girls and St. Albans’ Pierre Attiogbe repeated.
Beach Drive remains closed to through traffic year-round, locals win conference, USATF titles.
Capt. Kyle King won the Marine Corps Marathon, a year after he planned to make his debut at the race, and Chelsea Baker of the British Royal Navy made tremendous strides winning the women’s race.
A Salute to Our Troops
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Celebrate Memorial Day! Honor our past and present military heroes and first responders by running in the annual RINGING IN HOPE: A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS! Join your friends and neighbors on May 29, 2023, at
Try Or Fail Spring Forward 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
Come join us for the second annual Try Or Fail Spring Forward races! The 1-mile course will be run on the Workhouse Arts Center property starting and ending at the baseball fields going out and back. The 5K and the
