Running a marathon with type 1 diabetes

Running a marathon takes skill, dedication and tremendous athleticism. Just ask Ironman Triathlete Jay Hewitt, who is leading Team Joslin through the 26.2 mile course during this year's Boston Marathon. Members of Team Joslin are running the marathon for many reasons, but one reason stands above the rest - and it is personal.

Each of the six members has pledged to raise money for Joslin Diabetes Center's High Hopes Fund, which supports the Center's efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes and to prevent and cure the disease.

Hewitt, who has had type 1 diabetes for more than 16 years, competes professionally in Ironman triathlons as a member of the U.S. National Team for Long Course Triathlon. His role as the captain of Team Joslin will help spread awareness about Joslin's vision of a world without diabetes and the importance of overcoming obstacles to achieve one's goals. "I am honored to be the captain of Team Joslin and hope to show people that diabetes does not have to be an obstacle, but rather a point of strength and motivation toward achieving your goals. Diabetes has not stopped me from competing - in fact, it has made me a better competitor," said Hewitt.

Three of the six Team Joslin runners, including Hewitt, have type 1 diabetes, and have been working with their physicians and professional trainers to prepare them for a successful marathon run. Steve Satin of Satin Fitness in Mashpee, Mass., has developed individual training programs for the runners to ensure that they are prepared to meet the physical demands of the course.

The members of the Team Joslin marathon team include: Jay Hewitt from Greenville, SC; Benjamin Clements from Brookline, MA; Kathryn Whorf of Brookline, MA; Hugh Murphy of Boston, MA; Mark Kohn of Johnson City, NY; and Richard Turcott of Westford, MA. For more information about each of these runners, visit their individual Team Joslin fundraising pages.

Thanks to the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program, Joslin secured five of the six entries, with all sponsorship proceeds to benefit diabetes research, education and care at Joslin Diabetes Center.