For Fred Barbaro, age is truly just a number. His zest for life is evident whether it’s restoring classic cars, dedicating decades to the IT industry, or now, running marathons.
The Lalor local and member of the Lalor Run Club has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon at age 75, set to take place on April 8 – a testament to his resilience and determination.
Fred’s journey to marathon success however, hasn’t been without its challenges.
In 2022, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, an ordeal that tested his strength in more ways than one.
However, instead of letting it define him, he fought through, determined to return to the sport he loves.
With the support of his family, including his wife of 45 years, Rose, his two children, and four grandkids, Fred never lost sight of his goal.
Running has become more than just a hobby–its a lifestyle.
A proud member of the Lalor Run Club, Fred finds camaraderie and motivation among fellow runners.
Every Sunday, he embarks on a long run with friends Tony Roddino and Mark Lee, alongside the rest of the Lalor Running Club.
Training for Boston demands discipline, but Fred, no stranger to commitment, embraces the challenge head-on.
His wife, Rose Barbaro, said the entire family is thrilled about his Boston qualification.
“The family is over the moon, we know he is a bit crazy, but we are all supporting him. The whole family is heading over to Boston,” she said.
Fred’s determination played a key role in his recovery from cancer.
“I think he just put his mind into running, and if it wasn’t for that, I don’t know if he would’ve made it,” Rose said.
She also highlighted his unwavering drive.
“He used to work with computers, so he’s always had to keep his mind going.
When he puts his mind to something, he just follows through,”
“We support him with whatever he wants to do. We kept saying he was crazy–like, a man his age should be relaxing–but not Fred.”
Beyond his Boston qualification, Fred has an impressive track record in running.
He finished first in his age group at the 2025 Carmen’s Half Marathon, the 2024 Run Melbourne Half Marathon, and the 2024 River Run Geelong.
Fred’s humility always shines through despite his accolades, as he was hesitant about even the idea of an article being written about him, preferring to avoid the spotlight.
When asked about his goals for the Boston marathon, Rose said finishing would be the ultimate reward.
“I think obviously he wants to make it within a certain time, but if he’s just able to make it over the line, I think he will be quite happy.”
