Interview: Jeffrey LeMair

Jeffrey LeMair started out his athletic career as a boxer, and a darn good one at that, with 9 District Golden Glove Championships and even going toe to toe with the great Sugar Ray Leonard. It was suggested from a boxing coach that he might want to take up running. He had always run as part of his training, but never competitively. Once he took it up though there was no looking back. His passion took over and his competitive drive took hold: 5K, 10K, Half Marathons, Full Marathons, and then the Ultras- 50K, 50 milers, 100K, but a finish at one distance had eluded him- 100 miles.

Jeffrey’s mother was a huge inspiration on his life. When she passed away in May 2019 at the age of 102.8 this became his motivation to once again pursue the elusive 100 mile distance at the age of 66. He set out to look for a 102.8 mile race and finish. Jeffrey decided on the Lost Soul Ultra in Alberta Canada. With the help of friends, Jeffery began training

And then 2020 happened. Like many of us, Jeffrey had to face the heartbreak and disappointment of watching races cancel and postpone all around him. He planned to use many races that were cancelled as a buildup to his 100 miler, but Jeffery kept pushing on. At the suggestion of friend (and SFARC member) Andie Weber Bennett, Jeffrey signed up for the Mines of Spain Ultra after the Lost Soul Ultra was postponed to 2021. In addition to his goal race being postponed, injuries started to rear their ugly head: from struggles with hydration and muscle spasms, to a back injury that required a neurotomy days before the big race, but Jeffrey was determined. 

When race day came Jeffrey was as ready as he would ever be and set out. However, even the race itself was not without its hiccups. There were times he took a wrong turn and missed an aid station, but that only motivated him to know he was closer to his 102.8 mile goal. One of my favorite things about the running community is its encouraging spirit and this race was full of that spirit. An aid station attendant who had planned to pace a different runner handed his clipboard and pen over to another person and left to guide Jeffrey on his last few miles because exhaustion had taken over and which way to go had become confusing for Jeffrey. 

Despite all of these challenges, Jeffery finished his first 100 mile race with plenty of time to spare at the young age of 66! 

Being able to sit down and hear his experience leading up to and through the race was nothing short of inspiring. As someone new to running, it was truly an honor to share a table and a conversation with a gentleman who has logged over 62,000 miles, the old school way, in small calendars since he started running. Jeffrey embodies the spirit of the running community in his generosity, humility and encouragement. He is truly a legend in so many ways.

Jeffrey plans to run the Lost Soul Ultra in 2021 because as he put it, it’s a great race, well put together, and he’s already paid for it. We look forward to hearing all about it!

By Ben Hoefer