Erin Gillis grew up in Antigonish, NS and later attended St Francis Xavier University in his home town. It was during this time that Eric’s running developed significantly, making University & World XC Championship teams, along with claiming a CIS XC individual title his final year. It was also during this time that Eric started training, during summer breaks, with the Speed River TFC in Guelph ON. After graduating in 2006 from teachers college at StFX, Eric and his now wife, Emily, made the decision to move to Guelph. Ontario.
In July, 2017 Eric accepted a position as assistant cross-country running coach with St. Francis Xavier University’s and ultimately will take over as head coach for the 2018-19 season. Eric is a father of two young children, and the sometimes owner of backyard chickens. The Marathon is Eric’s best event, running five times between 2:11:21 – 2:12:08. He placed 22nd in that event at the 2012 London Olympics and 10th four years later at the Rio Olympics.
The three-time Olympian has jumped on board to help promote KidSport in the Antigonish region which saw a 47% increase in demand from 2016 to 2017. Welcome aboard, Eric!
Team & Awards
Four time CIS XC All-Canadian 2000-2003
2008 Beijing Olympics – 10000m
2012 London Olympics – Marathon
2016 Rio Olympics – Marathon
Personal Best
5000m – 13:36
10000m – 28.07
10k – 28:58
Half – 63:31
Marathon – 2:11:21