Chris Winter reflects on history-making run
At the Melbourne Marathon last year, Chris Winter achieved a new Australian record for the fastest marathon run by a person living with type 1 diabetes.
Chris smashed his PB by eight minutes, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 32 minutes and 47 seconds – a mere 2 minutes off the world record.
“I felt incredibly proud,” Chris says of the history-making run.
“Since setting the record, I’ve been fortunate to connect with runners with type 1 from around the world. There’s discussion about holding an Intercontinental Marathon Challenge in 2027.
“Last year’s performance has given me the confidence to be bold in the goals I set myself over the shorter distances in 2026, which I hope will hold me in good stead for my second attempt at the world record. The record has since been lowered to 2:28 so I’ve got my work cut out for me!”
Community Impact
Chris was recognised at the inaugural Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards last year, for both his incredible physical feat and his fundraising efforts for the diabetes community.
“Since being diagnosed in 2015, I have witnessed rapid technological advancements that are making it easier to manage the condition,” Chris explains.
“By fundraising for Diabetes Victoria, I wish to keep this wonderful momentum going so that all those living with type 1 can live life to the fullest! I raised $2,520 in the end.”
He says diabetes technology, particularly pump therapy, has improved his quality of life.
“Pump therapy has reduced my cognitive load. When on daily injections, I felt that I was constantly having to make decisions impacting my BGL,” he says.
“Now the pump makes many of those decisions for me. Having a lean body mass, I found it difficult to find suitable sites when on daily injections. Pump therapy has alleviated that concern, and it also means I need to prick my finger less.
“Most importantly, pump therapy has seen my HbA1C steadily drop which has pleased my care team!”
Words of Wisdom
His advice for other people living with type 1 who aspire to similar physical challenges? Data is your friend.
“Listen to your body and take note of your BGLs in response to different physical stimuli and fuel,” Chris says.
“The more you practice, the greater confidence you will have when it comes to your event or physical challenge. There will be doubters, but remember that no one has as much knowledge and experience as you when it comes to what you are capable of.”
Chris ran the Portsea Twilight in early January, finishing 6th (and the first in his age group) in the 9.5km race. He is currently training for the upcoming road and cross-country season.
“I will attempt the record again at the Melbourne Marathon in October,” he says. “I would be grateful for the support of the Diabetes Victoria community once again.”
If you would like to learn more about diabetes data and pump therapy, please contact the Diabetes Care Plus team.
Learn more about fundraising for Diabetes Victoria here.
Britt Denton
Communications and Media Lead
Brittany Denton is the Communications and Media Lead at Diabetes Victoria. She oversees media relations and communications, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting people with diabetes across the state.
