From Nike’s origin story to the lasting legacy of Steve Prefontaine, Eugene is a mecca for novice runners and Olympians alike. Gregg LeBlanc, 62, is a Portland resident, pacer and longtime runner, and is well-immersed in the culture that comes with what is aptly nicknamed “TrackTown, USA.” Having previously raced the Run to Stay Warm half-marathon in Eugene in 2017, LeBlanc was eager to get in on the action when he was asked to pace the run this year.
Initially, LeBlanc knew of friends who would be participating in the Run to Stay Warm but had no interest in doing so himself. An email from Run Hub Northwest, a local running gear store and sponsor for the Run to Stay Warm, informing him the team was looking for pacers caused him to have a change of heart. A brief email exchange later, LeBlanc accepted the invitation to lead the 2:30 pacing group through the 13.1-mile journey.

LeBlanc has run 244 half marathons, 25 whole marathons and is a two-time Boston Marathon racer. Since 2013, LeBlanc has paced around 15 races a year. During his time as a pacer, he has picked up many tips to keep runners motivated through challenging mileage and races. 

“Part of what turns people off from running is that I think they try too hard too quick. If you’re looking to start running, it’s one step at a time, and it’s not overdoing it,” LeBlanc said. “Be patient, and don’t think to try and do it all at once.” 

LeBlanc encourages runners to gain 10% of one’s chosen distance every day. Early in the training process, that may mean a combination of running and walking. As the weeks go on, distance may increase, but including walking breaks is a part of the process too. 

There is no exception to this mindset on race day; proper pacing and listening to one’s body can make or break the experience altogether. Pacers are responsible for supporting athletes in these instances. LeBlanc said he likes to pace 10 minutes slower than his race time so he can use his extra energy to encourage the runners around him. On course, LeBlanc is hard to miss. He wears neon yellow and switches between running forward and backwards to shout to the runners around him. “I’ve been told I’ve got a megaphone voice, so I project and I boom and I don’t care — that’s the east coast in me,” LeBlanc said.

Not all the pacers on course have pacing resumés as impressive as LeBlanc’s. Dustin Pearce, owner and general manager of Run Hub Northwest said they often get volunteer pacers who have never paced before. But, like LeBlanc, the spirit is there for these newbie pacers. “They’re just longtime runners and they get a real kick out of helping people reach their goals in a race or helping get them to the finish line,” Pearce said.

For LeBlanc, running and pacing are worth more than the feat of crossing the finish line; it’s an opportunity to find out what he is made for. “Whether you’re running or whether it’s at work, you’re going to be faced with obstacles, but knowing that you can overcome obstacle A makes it easier to think about those successes as you’re facing obstacle B,” LeBlanc said. “Running is an endurance sport, and life and work are endurance elements. It’s how to have that confidence so that you can overcome difficult things.”

Moving forward, Leblanc intends to continue pacing and running races. He said his pace has slowed in the past few years but that he is no longer running for time.

“I like to think that running keeps me young,” LeBlanc said. “I think this is what keeps me sane and keeps me fit. So no end in sight, and no need to have an end in sight.”