NICK SCARPELLO
**Men’s Open Team Captain
Hometown: Philly
Background: As a lad I watched Mom win those big shiny trophies in 5K’s, 10K’s, and Half Marathons all across Philadelphia. She is the toughest runner that I know. Back then, many early Saturday mornings, Dad piled me and my brothers into the minivan at the crack of dawn, and we were on our way to the race course.
My family and my coaches helped inspire me to catch the running bug pretty late in high school. I captained the Penn State Cross Country team in college and then shipped out to San Diego in 2014.
I first met Prado while I was tucked in the front pack of the local Oceanside Turkey Trot that year in 2014. In the first mile I was swallowed up by a pack of at least 5 bright blue PRT jerseys! Those guys were pretty intimidating on that day!
I’ve run for PRT now since 2015 and am fortunate to enjoy an abundance of dependable teammates, training partners and loyal friends.
Racing Competitively Since: 2007
PRs:
1500 m: 3:50
Mile: 3:58 (road, downhill-aided)
3000 m: 8:10
5000 m: 14:14
10K: 30:16 (road)
Half Marathon: 66:58
Marathon: 2:23:39
Highlights: 2016 Carlsbad 5000 Open Men’s overall winner, 2016 San Diego USATF Road Race Series champion
The Fun Questions:
Favorite Race: The Penn Relays
Favorite Workout: Mile repeats at the State Game Lands 176 (State College, PA)
Words to Live By: Rusty Boots and...
Why I Choose to Run for PRT: Keep SDTC on their toes!
Favorite PRT Memory: My proudest moments for the team include Club Nationals 2016, Olympic Trials 2016 and 2020, Carlsbad 2019, CIM 2019, and Club Nationals 2022. Some unforgettable times were the Palm Desert 80’s Party and that time we boiled pots of water to heat the hot tub at Big Bear team camp.
What I Like to Do Besides Running: I enjoy golf; it demands focus, consistency, and patience (not so unlike distance running).