Eric Bretl

Bio

Eric Bretl is a Dallas-Fort Worth-based runner whose journey from solo grinder to community-driven athlete is one of the most inspiring transformations in the local running scene. A former high school cross country runner who spent his college years in the weight room, Eric returned to running in 2018 with big goals and a solo mentality — only to get humbled by a 1:34 finish at his first Dallas Half Marathon. That wake-up call set everything in motion. Once Eric found his running community, everything changed. Training alongside fast, motivated runners pushed him to drop his half marathon time all the way to 1:19 and completely reimagine what he was capable of. At the 2025 California International Marathon, Eric put it all together — running a 2:35 finish alongside training partners Jennifer and Aaron, all three crossing the line within 30 seconds of each other in what can only be described as a perfect team moment. Off the roads, Eric is known in the DFW running community as the guy who shows up for everyone — whether that's rollerblading alongside injured friends on long runs or being the first to offer a ride when someone needs help. For Eric, running has never just been about the clock. It's about the people you do it with.