Mark Morrelle is one of our team of Type 1 runners aiming to help us break a World Record at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon.
Mark, 44, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 9, but has never let it stop him from living an active life. He has run the London Marathon twice and is running the New York Marathon this November.
But first, he will be joining us in Swansea on Sunday 23 June to help us break the World Record for the number of people with Type 1 diabetes to complete a half marathon together.
We set the record last year with a team of 69 runners.
“I knew I had to be involved”
Mark said, “I have run a half marathon every month since my second London Marathon last year and am really looking forward to representing Type 1 runners and wearing my Diabetes UK top with pride in New York.
“As soon as I heard about the Type 1 world record attempt at the Swansea Half Marathon, I knew I had to be involved. It’s one of the best half marathons in the UK, and not even Usain Bolt has that record!”
Why a world record?
The idea to set a world record came from volunteer Paul Coker. In 2017, Paul celebrated his 40th anniversary of living with Type 1 diabetes by completing 40 half marathons, finishing at the race in Swansea.
Paul is passionate about encouraging others with Type 1 diabetes to enjoy exercise, and that with the right attitude and support, anything is possible.
Help us inspire others
Mark continued, “I have never let Type 1 diabetes stop me from doing anything. Both London Marathons have been an enormous challenge, but I got through it. I want to show others with Type 1 that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve.”
Physical exercise can impact blood glucose levels, meaning people with Type 1 diabetes must manage their insulin before, during and after exercise. But we're working hard to show that that should not stop people with Type 1 from enjoying being active.
Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru, said:
“This is not just about breaking a record. We hope to inspire others and create a community who understand the challenges of Type 1 diabetes and can support each other. We are delighted to have Mark on our team and look forward to cheering all our runners across the finish line on 23 June.”
Diabetes UK Cymru still has guaranteed charity places remaining for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday 23 June. Places are open to everyone.
