San Diego Native Participates in the 2019 World Marathon Challenge
Runner will compete in seven marathons in seven days on seven continents
Eric Tozer will be the first individual with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to take on this incredible test of endurance.
On January 31, 2019 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Ambassador and type 1 diabetes (T1D) Champion Eric Tozer will embark on the ultimate athletic journey by competing in the World Marathon Challenge. Starting in Novo, Antarctica, the challenge takes runners across the seven continents for seven marathons—in just seven days.
Tozer, a native of San Diego, will be the first individual with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to take on this incredible test of endurance. To prepare for the rigorous calendar of events, Tozer has worked with his endocrinologist to find unique ways to monitor his blood glucose levels while competing in each race.
“Running over 183 miles around the globe in the span of the week is intense, and adding T1D on top of that magnifies the intensity,” says Tozer. “But I know that in the toughest miles — wherever those miles might be during the 7 days — the T1D community will be with me.”
Upon completing the marathon in Antarctica, Tozer will compete in races in Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Madrid, Spain; Santiago, Chile; and conclude in Miami, Florida.
“As a fellow runner and person with T1D, Eric is attempting an incredible feat,” says JDRF Chief Mission Officer Aaron Kowalski. “For anyone to complete this challenge is an achievement; adding T1D to the equation only makes it more impressive. His determination and commitment shows that people with T1D truly have no limits and can do anything.”
T1D is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease that can strike children and adults at any age. It requires rigorous 24/7 monitoring of blood glucose levels—even overnight—to avoid potentially lethal highs and lows in blood sugar, as well as other devastating complications like kidney, eye and nerve diseases. While T1D’s causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved.
Its onset is sudden and is not related to diet or lifestyle. In T1D, the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, meaning the body produces little to no insulin to regulate blood sugar and get energy from food. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.
Tune in to JDRF’s Facebook and Instagram page for updates on Tozer’s progress, as well as his own Facebook and Instagram pages.
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