SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco State Athletics Hall of Famer Mike Fanelli passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by loved ones on November 25, 2023 from glioblastoma (brain cancer) at the age of 67.

In 1981, Fanelli set San Francisco State's program record in the 10,000m. Fanelli was inducted into the San Francisco State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. The Mike Fanelli Track Classic is also named after him, and will take place this season March 29-30, 2024 in Hayward, California.



After his years at SF State, Fanelli's impact on the sport of track & field was far-reaching. He was a true ambassador for the sport. Some highlights include coaching the USA National Team three times, coaching 14 US Olympic Trials Qualifiers, and one national champion. He served as the USATF National Cross Country Chairman from 1992-94. He was a color commentator for Bay to Breakers from 1985 to 2005.

Fanelli was born on 1 May, 1956 in Philadelphia and later moved to the West Coast in 1976. He returned home to compete in the Philadelphia Marathon on November 18, 2012. The event was the 40th marathon that he competed in and during the event he joined the 100,000-Mile Club, a select group of runners who can evidence that they have run at least 100,000 miles in their lives. In October 2023, he reached 115,000 lifetime miles, the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe more than four times.

In 2018, Fanelli's eponymous scholarship fund was created to support the men's cross country program at San Francisco State. With the return of men's track & field, the scholarship now benefits both programs. Fanelli is survived by his wife, Renay, and pup, River. A service honoring him will be held in January 2024. Renay has suggested that in lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution to the Mike Fanelli Scholarship Fund.