University of Oregon Alumni Justin Gallegos (front) and his father Brent (back) running the 2022 Eugene Half Marathon. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs

By Joe Zochert

Participants of the 2022 Eugene Marathon crossed the finish line at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on May 1st. Among the finishers was Justin Gallegos, who has been a consistent source of inspiration in the running community over the years.

In 2018, Gallegos became the first sponsored Nike athlete with cerebral palsy and has been running half and full marathons ever since.

With the Eugene Marathon back on, he was very excited to finish his third Eugene Half Marathon in a time of 1:56:48.

“It’s really good to be back and running and finishing on Hayward,” said Gallegos after completing the half marathon.

Even though he is no longer sponsored by Nike, he is working hard and running races in hopes of finding new ones.

“I’m looking for new sponsors. I’m reaching out (and) still running races,” said Gallegos about his current sponsorship status.

Gallegos’ father, Brent, has witnessed his growth and hard work over the years through running.

Brent has been there running by Justin's side since summer cross-country camp his freshman year of high school. Even now, he is nothing short of amazed at what his son has done through running.

“He always just continues to amaze, impress, inspire and motivate,” said Brent about Justin’s impact through running. “Today was supposed to be a nice Sunday run and ended up almost being a PR.”

Gallegos’ hard work has not only translated into running, but also into school. Last year, he graduated with a degree in Advertising from the University of Oregon.

“It’s just impressive with his determination and his willing[ness] to work,” said Brent about his son’s work ethic.

After crossing the finish line in 1:56:48, Brent Gallegos (right) places a finisher medal around his son Justin’s neck, a tradition they have maintained at every half or full marathon the duo have run. Photo by Jake Willard

During his race, the former UO running club member was wearing a yellow Oregon singlet. But this kit meant more on the day. Gallegos was wearing the singlet to celebrate being featured in the Hayward Hall museum, which is located inside the tower at Hayward Field.

Gallegos and his family did not even know about this honor until they made an impromptu visit to Hayward Hall over marathon weekend.

When Gallegos saw his photo in the museum, he felt honored to be highlighted among the track and field greats.

“That was a very emotional moment,” he said. “I am very honored to be featured in the museum along with some of the greatest athletes and coaches of all time.”

His picture is next to Oregon decathlete Ashton Eaton and Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, who is the world record holder in the marathon.

With years of hard work under his belt, Gallegos now has a permanent place in Oregon track and field history to help remind him of the tremendous influence that he has had on the running community.

“It made me extra proud to be a Duck,” said Gallegos. “And knowing that I made that much of an impact in Eugene and Track Town, it's an honor.”