Running in the Family

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)–Cynthia Monteleone started off her track and field career at UNCW back in the late 1990’s. Now, almost 25 years later she is headed back to run on the same track she did as a Seahawk.

“I am super pleased to be here and thankful for UNCW allowing me to be apart of this meet. It is a big year for me. I am trying to break the America record for the 400 in my age group.”

Cynthia has been living in Hawaii and been back running for a few years. She currently holds the top spot in the world for her age group in the 400 meter dash. She took almost 20 years off from running before her daughter Margeret asked her to start training with her. The rest has been history for the mom and daughter duo.

“She’s always told me stories about how she ran in college an I always though maybe I should do track. She kind of inspired me to do track, and she says I’m the one that inspired her. Which is kind of funny,”said Margeret O’Neal Monteleone.

The two will now get to share the same track together on Saturday at the UNCW Wendy’s Invite.

“We are both running together at my alma mater. So, it’s a very very special experience,”said Monteleone.

Cynthia’s daughter Margeret is only 14 years old and beginning her running career, but even at that age she can’t wait to try to break her mothers record.

“I hope so. That is my main goal,” said Margeret Monteleone.