Closing in on a World Record Type 1 run
Chris Winter holds the Australian record for the fastest marathon run by a person living with type 1 diabetes.
Unless you live with type 1, it’s hard to comprehend how impressive that is. He’s aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon time ever recorded by a runner (from anywhere) with type 1 diabetes.
He was only a few minutes short when he attempted to break it this past weekend at Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.
“(The record) is now 2:28, so I was on pace for 2:28 at halfway, but blew up a bit in the second half and I just missed it,” Chris says.
“But I held on for a personal best and more importantly, I reached my fundraising goal!”
His personal best time is now at a seriously fast 2:32.24, and at the time of writing, he has raised more than $2,500 for Diabetes Victoria.
Chris was recognised at the inaugural Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards last year, for both his physical achievements 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!”
His advice for other people living with type 1 who aspire to similar physical challenges is to listen to your body and take note of your BGLs.
“Keep track 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.”
Watch Chris' interview on @theageaustralia
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.
