Just three months after completing his sixth Chicago marathon — on a team that raised money for injured veterans and their families — Fr. John Eustice, CSV, ran another marathon, this time in Baton Rouge, LA.
Fr. John Eustice at the race expo, with his packet
“Since my training went well over the summer for the Chicago Marathon, I wanted to keep the momentum going,” Fr. John says of completing his seventh marathon on Jan. 19.
“Two years ago I thought my running days were wrapping up,” he adds. “I went to the expo for the Chicago Marathon and felt like this would be my last one. When I was at the start line, my feeling was affirmed. But then when I crossed the finish line, and not with a personal record, I thought, ‘I have another one in me.’ ”
He points to Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, as his inspiration. Back in 2015, he completed his goal of running 50 marathons after turning 50. He eventually ran 53 marathons.
“In fact, he is the first one I texted when I finished,” Fr. John says. “I’m not sure I’ll run 53, but who knows?”
Finisher, Fr. John Eustice, in front of the LA State Capitol building
Fr. John took advantage of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in choosing to do the Louisiana Marathon. It provided him an extra day off from school. Last summer, he returned to Saint Viator High School — after his ordination in June — where he now serves as director of Campus Ministry and chaplain for the school.
He also escaped the frigid temperatures for the weekend, trading them instead for the mild, 60-degree days in Baton Rouge. The scenic route took him and the nearly 7,000 other runners from downtown Baton Rouge through the University Lakes, the LSU campus and through historic river town neighborhoods.
“I took some time to get to know the city and its history, and enjoy the people and food,” Fr. John says. “And I attended Mass at LSU’s Christ the King Church.”
Christ the King Church on the LSU campus
Fr. John is signed up to run two more marathons this year, but he says he won’t rule out the possibility of squeezing in another one. He adds that running a marathon is a great way to see the country and experience different cultures, but it’s also a spiritual exercise for him.
“I love running outdoors in God’s natural world,” Fr. John says. “The running community is one of the most supportive and encouraging group of athletes. For me, it’s a great way to connect with others and engage in a challenge.”