Fr. John Eustice, On the Run

Fr. John Eustice, C.S.V., describes Fr. Daniel Hall, C.S.V., as his “inspiration.” Sure, they both served as Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission in recent years, but they share another passion: running, and more specifically, running marathons.

 

Fr. John completed his seventh marathon on Sunday in Baton Rouge, LA. When he finished, the first person he texted was Fr. Hall.

 

“Dan Hall is an inspiration to me,” Fr. John says. “I’m not sure I will run 53, but who knows?”

 

That’s right. In 2015, Fr. Hall completed his goal of running 50 marathons after turning 50. The former military veteran and chaplain eventually ran 53 marathons.

 

In Fr. John’s case, he initially took up running to raise money for the Palatine-based organization, SALUTE, Inc., which supports injured veterans and their families. Most recently, he ran with the team at the Chicago Marathon in October.

 

The Louisiana Marathon was a new experience for him, he says. The scenic route took him and the nearly 7,000 other runners from downtown Baton Rouge through the University Lakes, the LSU campus, and 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."

 

The event's timing also allowed him to escape the frigid temperatures over the weekend, as he opted instead for the mild, 60-degree days in Baton Rouge.

 

Fr. John is midway into his new role as Director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain of the school, and he is enjoying the non-stop pace of the day. Between planning and celebrating school liturgies as well as regular retreats and meeting with students all day, he’s busier than he’s ever been.

 

Still, he makes time each day – and on weekends – for his training runs. 

 

“They help to clear my head,” Fr. John says. 

 

He 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 groups of athletes. For me, it's a great way to connect with others and engage in a challenge."