Man runs 65 miles to South Lake Tahoe to show support for law enforcement

It is dark. It is 2:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15 at the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) in Placerville. It is early, but not too early to prevent a group of people to come see Camino resident Hervé Leconte leave on his 65-mile run to the EDSO building in South Lake Tahoe.

17 hours later, Leconte is greeted by a contingent of law enforcement personnel, family and friends on the lawn in front of the South Lake Tahoe government buildings on Johnson Lane. Remarkably fresh looking, and not very winded, Leconte's finish was highlighted by clapping, cheering, and barks from South Lake Tahoe police dog Tara.

Leconte had just accomplished something many won't even attempt, all in a show of solidarity and support for law enforcement, both locally and nationally, and to raise money for a special cause.

"You're on the front line, so thank you," Leconte said to the awaiting officers who were applauding in appreciation of his run, and the reasons for it.

The Normandy, France native lives in Camino, over the hill from South Lake Tahoe. A US citizen since 2000, Leconte made the run as a fundraiser to support the families of not only the family of the five Dallas police officers killed in the line of duty last week, but to add to the El Doardo County Sheriff's fund should any emergencies occur locally.

"We can all make a difference," Leconte said after the run. "Positive changes matter."

In his flag adorned backpack, Leconte carried a "Thin Blue Line" flag he made himself. He presented it to EDSO Lt. Matt Underhill, and made an identical one for the Placerville office.

This wasn't Leconte's only trip over Echo Summit on foot. On July 4 this year, he ran the 112 miles round trip from his home in Camino, to the South Shore, and back in support of those serving our country, veterans and their families.

"More than 20 people brought me water and encouragement during my 118-mile round trip Tahoe foot journey and so many more cheered me on via Facebook," said Hervé in a message. "I am very grateful and I try to do what I am able to celebrate where our freedom comes from. I was honored and privileged to bear the American flag on my run in celebration of Independence Day and local military families!"

After the 4th of July run he was planning ahead for a run on 9-11-16 in honor of those that lost their lives on that day in 2001. But then, the Dallas shootings happened and he moved up the run to this week in honor of law enforcement.

What is even more amazing about Leconte's run is the fact that just nine years ago he couldn't get out of bed. He was suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica, or PMR. He was never a runner before contracting the condition, but once he was cured he started to run about three years ago.

"Now I just can't stop!" Leconte exclaimed.

He had calculated his run to be 16.5 hours, and he would have kept on that schedule had a Sacramento area television reporter not spotted him running on Highway 50. The reporter said he saw a man running with two flags out of his backpack, and figured there'd be a story, so he pulled off the road to talk to Leconte.

After the thirty minute delay, Leconte continued on his run. His journey was being reported to the Sheriff's office along they way so they could make sure they were all at the finish to greet him. His wife Julie, and friends from South Lake Tahoe Ken and Carrie Nickel, pulled into the parking lot with bottles of water, just before Hervé made the final bend down Al Tahoe Blvd.

Besides the delay with the reporter, Leconte had a fall near Camino where he cut his knee and sprained his ankle, but he wasn't going to let those issues keep him from his quest.

A veteran of the historical Paris Road Rallies, Leconte is used to keeping on a race schedule no matter what the adversity. He's stitched himself up and splintered legs, so whats a sprained ankle and a bleeding knee?

Those wishing to donate in Leconte's name may do so through the El Dorado County Sheriff's Posse Fund.

Payee: El Dorado County Sheriff's Posse
Memo Line: Gratitude Run Hervé Leconte
AddressL El Dorado County Sheriff, 300 Fair Lane Placerville, CA 95667