Our team of runners with Type 1 diabetes broke a world record at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon.
A total of 69 runners with the condition completed the race on Sunday 24 June, breaking the record for the number of people with Type 1 diabetes to run a half marathon together.
We set the record at last year’s event, when 29 people with Type 1 took part.
Our terrific team
Runners came from as far afield as Worcester, Surrey and London – as well as across Wales – to join our team.
They included Anthony Fisher, 80, from Gloucester, the oldest runner in this year’s race. He has had Type 1 diabetes for more than 40 years.
The campaign was spearheaded by our supporter Paul Coker. Paul ran 40 half marathons in 2017 to mark 40 years of living with Type 1 diabetes. The 2017 JCP Swansea Half Marathon record attempt was the final event in his challenge.
"A huge achievement"
Physical exercise can impact your blood glucose levels, meaning people who have Type 1 diabetes must manage their insulin before, during and after exercise.
Our Director, Dai Williams, said, “We are absolutely over the moon to have broken the world record we set last year, with more than double the number of runners with Type 1 taking part than in 2017. Many had never run before, let alone run a half marathon, so to have crossed that finish line is a huge achievement.
“This challenge was not just about breaking a record: it was about inspiring people with Type 1 diabetes and showing them the condition is no barrier to a full and active life. We also wanted to spark a community of individuals who understand the challenges of life with the condition and can support each other.
“We hope to bring an event bigger team to the starting line in 2019!”
