Start Line Stories with Georgia’s DeMarquis Chretien

Years ago, Georgia’s DeMarquis Chretien found himself peer-pressured into running a 5K with one of his Air Force comrades. He hadn’t really run since his days in a youth track club, and halfway through the race DeMarquis had to stop and walk. And still, he left that 5K finish line with a positive feeling. 

Before long, DeMarquis had signed up for another 5K and then, in his own words: “5Ks turned into 10Ks, 10Ks turned into half marathons, and halves turned into full marathons.” He completed his first marathon last October in Washington, D.C. (at the Marine Corps Marathon) and then set his sights on a spring marathon in Eugene. 

Check out what’s getting DeMarquis to the start line in less than 8 weeks and read his full Start Line Story below:

Name: DeMarquis Chretien

Age: 31

Where are you from and where is home now?

I’m from Beaumont, TX and I currently live in Perry, Georgia and am stationed at Robbins Air Force Base.

What’s your local run club or training group and tell us about it?

I travel a lot, so most of my runs are by myself. When I can, I run with friends on base or with the Perry Run Group, which meets once a week on Thursdays for a low-key run together.

Why Eugene 2026? 

I always wanted to run Eugene because of the history and the culture; I’m a huge track & field fan, so racing in a city that’s known for the sport of track & field is going to be a dream. After my first marathon in October [Marine Corps Marathon], it felt like Eugene was the next step. 

Current Total Marathon Count:

1

Favorite road race or racing experience?

The Marine Corps Marathon, it was my first and that’s always going to be special. And the course was amazing — running through DC and by all the monuments; and the crowd support was amazing!

What kind of training plan are you following and do you have a specific goal on race day?

I’m using the RUNNA app and right now we’re shooting for a 3:30.

Finish the sentence: What I love so much about running is _____

__that it’s an honest sport. You get out what you put into it. It exposes your weaknesses and teaches your discipline and for me, it’s helped me build confidence.

Why the marathon?

When I first started running, I shied away from it — the marathon scared me. But I also knew that if I did it, it would be good for me to chase that goal and say I’d done it.

What started your running journey?

I ran track & field when I was younger. I was part of a track club, then I joined the military and I had a close friend convince me to do a 5K. Halfway through the race, I started walking. It’s embarrassing looking back on it, but that started my racing experience and I loved it. Then 5Ks turned into 10Ks, 10Ks turned into half marathons, and halves turned into full marathons.

How has running impacted your life?

It’s helped me build mental toughness. During the long runs, you always get those thoughts in your head that you should stop, but when you don’t stop and you push through, it builds confidence. It’s taught me not to back down from hard things. And that you can’t rush it — running is a long game, and it takes a long time and perseverance and consistency to be good at it.

… 

If you see DeMarquis in the 3:30 pace group on race day be sure to give him a high five. And follow his journey to the Start Line on Instagram: @chretien_stridez