George Gallant

Inducted into the RunNB Hall of Fame: November 2010

Determination and endurance have taken George Gallant the distance in life, especially on the marathon circuit. A Maritime champion in 1949. Gallant ran the Boston Marathon five times, first in 1950 and then in '51, '52, '55 and '59. He won the Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race from 1956-62 and then in 1982 won a 50-plus Canadian Championship.

Gallant organized track and field events all over southeastern New Brunswick, training many young New Brunswickers not only to run, but to win.

A race in his name has been held at the Shediac Lobster Festival for the past 29 years. This 1983 New Brunswick Hall of Fame Inductee also loves hockey. In his youth, he coached the Cap-Pele Minor Hockey League and played with the Dupuis Corner Royals team, winning the Maritime title in 1950.

When citizens of Shediac and the surrounding area think of a local athlete that made his mark on the local, provincial, national and international stage, the name George Gallant always comes to mind.

George was a pioneer in marathons and road races. From the 1940s to the 1970s, George participated in races all over North America. He was the top Canadian finisher four times out of five participations in the prestigious Boston Marathon. He won the Maritime Circuit Championships sixteen times. He participated in the Pam Am Games in Ottawa.

In the Shediac area, the name George Gallant is synonymous with dedication, excellence and perseverance.

In 1983, George Gallant was inducted in the NB Hall of Fame

Accomplishments

• Boston Marathon - First Canadian 4 times
• 1955 Boston Marathon - 29th overall
• Truro 6 miler - 6 wins
• New Glasgow 5 miler - 26:26
• Antigonish 3 miler - 14:56
• Halifax 6 miler - 5 wins
• Hantsport 5 miler - 5 wins
• Darthmouth - 7 consecutive wins

Personal Records

Photos