Armstrong to be pacer in Western States run
By James Raia, Sacramento Bee
Eric Byrnes’ background as a professional baseball player isn’t the only thing that makes him stand out from the field in this weekend’s Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
Runners are encouraged to have pacers for the final 38 miles beginning at Foresthill. It’s often done in two segments, one joining the runner for 16 miles through the river crossing at Ruck a Chuck, the second the final 22 miles to Placer High School in Auburn.
Byrnes’ first pacer will be Franz Dill, who has finished the Western States four times and is a neighbor in Half Moon Bay.
His second pacer has a much more recognizable name. Former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong will accompany Byrnes to the finish.
