Joseph Fernandez
Graduating class: 1947
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 1998
Hall of Fame Category: Athlete
Joe became more 'famous' as he grew older. A background of twenty six years of running brought Joe to international recognition with world ranking by the Running Times seven years in a row; 1990-1996 in the 60 years+ division - three years as the second place runner and four years as the number one runner in the division.
In the National Senior Olympics in Syracuse, NY, in 1991 he placed third in the 1500 m (4:54); first in the 10 k (36:56) and second in the 5 k (17:47). In 1993 in Baton Rouge, LA, he was third in the 1500 (4:59); first in the 10 k (37:21), and second in the 5 k (18:25). In Tucson, AZ, in 1997 Joe was first in the 10 k (37:15) and second in the 5 k (18:00).
He has run record times for his age group (60 +) for 4.7 miles (27:58) and 5 k (18:00) and for the 65 + age group he has run 8 k in 29:40.
His 'personal records' include the Boston Marathon in 1991 (3:04) and the New Bedford Half-Marathon in 1982 (79:41). In 1986 Joe set 'personals' in 10 k (35:12), 5 k (16:12), 5 mi (28:18), 10 mi (60:56), 3000 m (10:17), and 1500 m (4:52).
In the 1992 Masters National Cross-Country 8k in Boston, MA, Joe placed first with a time of 30:32.