Maritime runners had the chance to run alongside an Olympic athlete this weekend in Antigonish, N.S.

Marathon runner Eric Gillis returned to his hometown this week for Homecoming at St. Francis Xavier University. He led the way in Saturday’s 5K Fun Run Race and is also set to be inducted into the St. Francis Xavier University Sports Hall of Fame.

“I get back a couple of times a year. It’s my hometown and my wife went to St. FX as well,” says Gillis, who now lives in Guelph, Ont. “Lots of family here, so it’s always great getting back. This is extra special, with Hall of Fame and then Homecoming.”

Five weeks ago, Gillis represented Canada at the Rio Olympics. He placed 10th in the marathon – Canada’s best finish in 40 years.

“Top Ten was my ultimate goal at that race in Rio and to get my fitness out, to execute on the day, and to take away a race that I’m really proud of, it feels special to do that,” says Gillis

Nova Scotia Finance Minister Randy Delorey took part in Saturday’s race. He says it’s clear Gillis is an inspiration to many.

“You know, it tells people here and really across the province and across the country, you can do anything,” says Delorey. “But I bet you, you ask Eric, he works hard to achieve the accomplishments he has achieved, so it doesn’t come without hard work.”

That message is echoed by members of the St. FX Track and Field Team.

“It’s really great to learn from someone that’s done it, been at the highest level of the sport that I hope to be there someday, so it’s great to hear his experiences and stuff and know where he came from,” says team member Angus Rawling. “I’m in a very similar position that he was in years ago.”

“For me to go off and do my thing and then come back and get to come back and run and then talk about running, and just be a part of that culture again, it’s special to me and I really look forward to those times,” says Gillis.

As for whether he plans to compete in the next Summer Olympics in 2020, Gillis says it’s too soon to say.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh