Hall of Fame
A member of FUMA's track team from 1922 to 1923, Lester Tharpe set records during his short time here which would last for decades. Tharpe held the 800 meter record for 55 years (123-1988), the 1600 meter record for 56 years (1922-1988), as well as setting the mile and half mile interscholastic records for 1923.
He went on to the University of Richmond where he set South Atlantic Records as a half miler, quarter miler and miler. He also held the record for the mile (4:22.6) for 42 years, plus the 440 record for 31 years.
During his two years at FUMA and four years at University of Richmond, Tharpe won 74 out of 76 races, which included 15 championship titles, and set 10 new records. He went on to qualify for the 1928 Olympics, but due to an accident could not compete.
Tharpe was inducted into the University of Richmond Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.
