Tony Bowe brings intensity with a smile

At 44, Tony Bowe has untapped athletic potential.

The Milford resident grew up playing sports with Special Olympics, making a name for himself in powerlifting, running, swimming and bowling.

Now, Bowe has set his sights on a full marathon, and everyone who knows him says they expect him to finish strong.

“Tony is the fittest guy I know,” said Len Leshem, one of Bowe's mentors through Special Olympics and his running coach. Leshem is also there to help Bowe find the right words to express himself. Diagnosed with autism when he was young, Bowe spent his early education at the Sussex Consortium before graduating from Cape Henlopen High School in 1992.

There's not an ounce of fat on Bowe's 6-foot frame. He has the lean muscle of a runner, not surprising when he talks about his 5-hour workouts several times a week.

“It feels good when I finish working out,” he said.

Bowe said he spends hours on exercise machines at the Rehoboth YMCA and supplements his cardio workouts with weight training. He has run two half marathons and dozens of 5Ks and 10Ks over the years, routinely placing in the top three in his age group. Lesham said Bowe's time of 20 minutes flat in the 5K reflects is an good indication of what he runs in longer races. His 5K time doubles when he runs a 10K and on up in his half marathons – he finished his last half marathon in 1 hour 40 minutes. Leshem said he expects Bowe will keep his 20-minute 5K pace when he competes in his first marathon in December.

The Rehoboth Beach full marathon starts on the Boardwalk and winds through many of the area trails Bowe has trained on – Breakwater and Cape Henlopen trails. When not training at the YMCA or on the trails, Bowe keeps moving by doing laps around the parking lot of his apartment complex.

He also works at the Rehoboth Beach Superfresh, where he has been employed for 16 years. Customers are sure to recognize his sunny disposition while he's bagging groceries or chasing down rogue shopping carts in the parking lot.

“I like to greet the people up front,” he said.

Sports success

The same dedication and intensity Bowe brings to his marathon goal have brought him success in other sports arenas over the years.

For years, powerlifting was his passion. He won countless awards and set records with a bench press of 300 pounds and deadlift of 500 pounds.

But a back injury sidelined him about eight years ago.

“I went to the doctor and he said no more competition,” Bowe said.

So, he regrouped and put his energy into running and other sports.

With his 25 years of Special Olympics competition, Bowe's apartment overflows with trophies, ribbons and medals. Many have been relegated to basement storage. “I have almost too many,” said Bowe, with his characteristic smile and good-natured manner.

Among all of Bowe's awards, one plaque holds a special place.

It is a plaque given to Bowe in 2014 after he helped carry the torch for the USA games. The torch run was even more special for Bowe because he was joined by Danny Hall, a state police officer who was one of Bowe's first running coaches.

“The whole trip was awesome,” Bowe said.

Besides the torch run, Bowe said travelling to China with his brother, Michael, in 2010 for the Special Olympics World Games is another memorable event.

Bowe is grateful to Special Olympics for helping him achieve his athletic success.

“To me it's a big accomplishment,” he said. “Sports are something I love to do. I'm so glad they gave me the chance and opportunity.”