Our Story

Growing up alongside 5 brothers and sisters in the family fruit shop in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney, Tony was always surrounded by quality produce. Sunday lunch at his Grandparents was the weekly highlight - an enjoyable ritual of seasonal produce, grown and prepared in a traditional, communal setting.

After moving across the Harbour Bridge to Maroubra, he started his running at school in Year 8 (1984) and with a few schoolmates, he entered his first of what is now 35 'City-To-Surf' events, the famous 14km road race from Sydney to Bondi Beach. And so it began..

He joined the Randwick-Botany Harriers Athletic Club and with the great support of passionate club coaches, and mentorship from a host of elder runners, over the next 16 years he developed a genuine joy and passion for all things running, with the role of Club Captain along the way.

In 2001, he moved to Melbourne and joined the mighty Glenhuntly Athletics Club, with whom he still proudly runs.

For over 10 years, he regularly trained with the Melbourne Midday Milers at the famous ‘Tan’ at lunchtime, another fantastic and supportive running group, until a work relocation put this out of range.

So, on Tony’s numerous trips to Italy beginning in 2002, he sought to learn Italy’s running culture, and quickly learned the ins and outs, quirks, the good and interesting. Along the way, Tony has met locals who are now dear friends, discovered some unique running events and searched deep into the country to find amazing food experiences which took him right back to his childhood.

These trips culminated in Tony and his young family living in Italy for most of 2016, travelling the country and exploring runs, events, always searching for more of that love of food.

Having completed the events on these Tours multiple times, and dined in truly delightful towns, it’s now time to share them with you.