There’s so much to learn about diabetes through fitness and adventure, especially when we can share these experiences with other diabetics. The Ragnar Relay is about to bring all of these elements together for what’s sure to be a magnificent time.

I can't wait for the Ragnar relay and the opportunity to run through the night in the most beautiful part of the country.  Nothing but pavement, a little heat, and a whole lot of insulin on board.  It's a great event and an amazing group to be running with!

I enjoy meeting other type 1 diabetics and I also enjoy running.  Being a part of this team is a great chance to do both and take and adventure at the same time.  Plus who doesn’t want to spend an entire day in a van?

I'm excited about the opportunity to run in this relay and meet other type 1 diabetic athletes. It'll be a great learning experience for me as I'm relatively new to distance running. I can't wait for this adventure!

I joined the team because I wanted to be a role model for other Type 1 Diabetics. I recently attended the DESA conference in Ontario and was extremely encouraged and motivated to set my athletic goals high. I am excited to contribute to that level of enthusiasm and continued motivation for many others.

I was a high school sophomore cross country runner when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1973. In spite of the difficulties, I never gave up running, and in 1998 ran my first full marathon. In the next 10 years I became a Marathon Maniac, running over 47 marathons and ultra marathons.

Since the day I was diagnosed as a diabetic, I have been driven to find ways to keep myself as healthy as possible, and I have found that my running fitness is the single greatest factor in helping me attain this. I run with a titanium femur and get a rush every time I pass someone in a race, thinking to myself "You're getting dusted by a diabetic cripple!"

There is something about running with a partner that makes it easier. You are enduring the work individually, but sharing the experience—whatever it may bring.  Similarly, successful diabetes management involves team effort.  It's an exhausting disease to handle by yourself. 

Name: Cary Cameron
Age: 22
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Diagnosis: June 2006

I have been wanting to push myself in a long distance race for a while now. I am looking forward to the camaraderie of the team and learning more about my disease while making new friendships.

I love the team competitions. What a great time to see everyone give their best run effort with a full audience of fellow hecklers cheering you on. YA! I love it! The diabetes group will also be interesting to observe what everyone is doing to get their best control.

Being an RN since the age of 19 has shown me the devastating effects of diabetes. I've always sworn to live my life to the fullest and demonstrate to people with diabetes that their condition does not have to hold them back from doing anything!

I have had the pleasure of playing sports that tested my strength and my speed so this will give me the opportunity to test my endurance. Also, I look forward to meeting other Type 1's who share my interest in sports.

What could be more fun than running across Arizona with 11 other crazy diabetics? Hey, we may be diabetic, but we are also charged up about life and interested in personal challenges. Looking forward to being a part of the relay team.