New Brunswick

Pointe-Verte runner qualifies for Boston Marathon

Allan Lagace of Pointe-Verte ran his first marathon in 2014 and is now in training for his second — none other than the Boston Marathon.

Allan Lagace one of only 50 athletes accepted in mobility impaired division

Marathon Man

9 years ago
Duration 2:00
Runner with cerebral palsy qualifies for Boston Marathon

Allan Lagace of Pointe-Verte ran his first marathon in 2014 and is now in training for his second — none other than the Boston Marathon.

Lagace qualified for what is arguably the world's most famous marathon in a time of five hours and 37 minutes.

Lagace's time alone doesn't turn heads in the running world, as the fastest runners in Boston typically finish the 42-kilometres in a little over two hours.

But Lagace does turn heads. He was born with cerebral palsy that affected his legs and has endured years of operations.

The 2014 Legs for Literacy event in Moncton was Allan Lagace's first marathon. (Bridget Yard/CBC)
The only activity that ever helped was running.

"I like that. Put music, enjoy that, I started running … Good feeling. Oh my God, it's incredible."

Lagace is one of only 50 runners admitted to the mobility impaired division for the 2016 Boston Marathon.

"I remember when I was young, I watched that on TV," said Lagace. "I wanted to go there in Boston, but I didn't think I had a chance to go there."

Lagace said he's "very excited" about going to Boston.

"I can't touch the floor. I'm very happy to go there with the Club Chaleur."

Lagace plans to enjoy every one of the 42 kilometres in Boston on April 18.

"No time. Just for fun. Relax, enjoy everything, Enjoy the people, the music all the atmosphere, all the things."