i am running for my life and the lives of other diabetics

Approximately 41,000 people in Virginia and 1.4 million people nationwide are diagnosed with diabetes every year. In 2001, I became a part of that statistic. Now, I need your help to raise awareness for encouragement and support for healthy diet, exercise and motivation.

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RUN. ENRICH. REVIVE.

MY STORY

EUGENE

THOMPSON

My journey began 14 years ago when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, like many of my family members. I was 38 and out of shape. I was taking a lot of medication to control my blood sugar, but I was feeling worse and gaining weight.

2012 was my wake up call. I was hiking with my son. Halfway through the hike, I couldn’t keep up with him. This was not the life I wanted for my family or myself. I had been in denial. This was the moment that I decided to fight.

I began a diet regimen that I disliked immensely, but it was working. I dropped 45 pounds in 6 months. Then, I began running. My blood sugar dropped, and with it, I reduced my insulin by 75%.

As a goal-oriented person, I needed something to work toward. A marathon was the ultimate challenge. A triumph that would have been inconceivable even a year earlier. In January of 2014, at the age of 48, I ran my first marathon at Disney in Florida. I finished. I was sore and tired. And I was stoked!

I achieved my ridiculous goal of running five more marathons that first year. In 2015, I ran 13 marathons in 11 different states, and yes, I did hear "Run Forrest Run" all the time.

Now, I am running for my life and the lives of other diabetics.

RUNNING FOR DIABETES AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

upcoming races

Eugene is trying for a personal record for marathons run in 2021. Join him at one of these upcoming races or donate today to support the cause. Is there a must-run race on your list? Contact us and let us know!