Runner will compete in seven marathons in seven days on seven continents

New York- January 16, 2019— On January 31, JDRF Ambassador and 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 one of the first individuals 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.”

Tune in to JDRF’s Facebook and Instagram page for updates on Tozer’s progress, as well as his own Facebook and Instagram pages.

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.

Last updated December 2019

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF