Runner Breaks World Record to Benefit Kids with Heart Disease

Jarrett LeBlanc faces the realities of heart disease every day as a cardiac sonographer at Ochsner Lafayette General. Already an accomplished runner, this motivated Jarrett, dubbed the fastest man in Acadiana, to attempt to break the world record for running a treadmill half-marathon, all in the name of raising money for Camp Bon Coeur, a local summer camp that offers a safe youth camp experience for children with congenital heart disease.

The previous treadmill record for a 13.1-mile half marathon was 63:08, and was set in June 2020. Jarrett was inspired to raise funds for pediatric congenital heart disease patients because they hold a special place in his heart. “I often see them in distress as babies. And seeing them grow up and enjoy a camp designed for their unique needs is just really special,” said LeBlanc. “Camp Bon Coeur provides children with heart defects a unique summer camp experience that they wouldn’t otherwise have. Donations are vital to sustaining programs like this and ensuring their continued success and impact on these young lives." 

Jarrett completed the half-marathon in record-time, finishing 13.1 miles in 62:50, and he was able to raise $21,000 for Camp Bon Coeur in the process. Completing this goal is just one example of what Jarrett says is ordinary people doing extraordinary things. "And I'm not talking about the record. I'm talking about raising money." Jarrett said this was a community effort and he couldn't have done it without the support of the crowd cheering and community raising money. "Everyone has a rainstorm, but you need to ask yourself what can you do in the rain."

Ochsner Children's in New Orleans has been ranked among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery specialties by U.S. News & World Report, and Ochsner Children's is the only children’s hospital in Louisiana currently ranked on U.S. New & World Report’s list of top hospitals. Our network of congenital heart care clinics across Louisiana helps ensure that kids get that same level of compassionate, expert care they need from a team they trust. Your child’s heart is in great hands with Ochsner.