Pointe Verte man with cerebral palsy now planning half ironman

Allan Lagace, who was born with cerebral palsy, finished the Boston Marathon on April 18, and he's already planning his next race. Lagace is known in northern New Brunswick for his charisma and charm during his races.

Lagace qualified for the Boston Marathon after running the Moncton Legs for Literacy Marathon in 2014. He completed the Boston last week in a little over eight hours.

"I started by doing 10 minute walk, 10 minute run. It's too long for me though," said Lagace.

"After that I do five minute run, five minute walk. That's the best, and my legs are very good. I take my time, talk to the fans, take pictures with the kids and other people."

'A fantastic job'

Officials don't have an exact time for his run, since the course was being dismantled when Lagace came in. But he wasn't worried about winning, or even hitting the wall that most runners fear.

"I never see the wall. It's very good. Talk with the fans, enjoy the music... it's magic," said Lagace.

It was magic for his supporters as well, who were watching the race from New Brunswick.

"Allan is a special guy," said Charlie Day. "He trains hard, he's had troubles with his legs in his life but he did a fantastic job."

Local celebrity

Charlie Day works with Lagace at the liquor store in Bathurst. Day said the entire community has been cheering him on.

"I don't want to let his head get too big, swell up, but he is a celebrity. He's well-known around the area, and I'll say he's a great guy to work with."

On the heels of the Boston Marathon, Lagace already has a new goal in mind. He hopes that in two years he can do a half-ironman. That involves running, biking and swimming.

Even though Lagace can't swim, he isn't going to let that stop him.

"I start this summer in the pool inside. If I'm a good swimmer, I go ahead," said Lagace.