Running for a Cure

XTERRA Trail Run will benefit JDRF Hawaii

Every runner in the 2010 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship will be making a difference. And more than 1,500 of them are expected to be on the starting line for the race, which is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii.

In addition to determining the world champions of trail running, the event will benefit the Hawaii Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. A portion of every entry fee will go to JDRF-Hawaii to help in its ongoing efforts to find a cure.

"The athletes who come from around the world to participate in this spectacular event embody the kind of discipline, commitment and personal inner strength it takes to be a champion," JDRF executive director Manya Levin said. "We at JDRF see this very mix every day in our families, who demonstrate the same courage, discipline and commitment in the 24/7/365 management of their type 1 diabetes. The challenge is mighty."

More than 5,000 people in Hawaii have type 1 diabetes, and at least one of them will be competing in the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

Andrea Huston, 33, has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1999. Every day, she has to administer her blood sugar levels and inject insulin into her body to help control the disease.

That's never stopped her from competing. Huston has completed several triathlons in recent years, and will run the 10-kilometer course at Kualoa Ranch on Sunday.

"Staying active, working out, is probably the best non-prescription way to help you live better with diabetes," said Huston, who works for the U.S. Navy at Camp Smith, Hawaii. "When you exercise, it helps absorb some of the sugars in your body."

Levin is hoping athletes such as Huston serve as examples for others battling type 1 diabetes.

"The wizardry that is required to balance the various components leading to optimum performance goes more than double for a type 1 athlete, and yet they do it every day," Levin said. "For Andrea, it's one more success against a relentless nemesis."

Huston was already an adult (age 22) when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but she is still trying to assist JDRF by volunteering with some of the youths who are battling the disease.

"Kids have a host of worries already, so to have diabetes on top of that can really be difficult," Huston said. "That's why I like working with them and encouraging them to be active."

The JDRF Hawaii Chapter will provide many of the volunteer help for Sunday's race. For information on JDRF, or volunteer opportunities with JDRF, visit www.jdrfhawaii.org.

Huston has also started a monthly walk/run group for people with type 1 diabetes. For information visit https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/insulindependence/eventList.jsp and click on the Honolulu Dawn Phenom links.

XTERRA TRAIL RUN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Where: Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii
When: Sunday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. start
Who: More than 1,500 runners of all ages and skill levels from around the world
Distances: 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers or 5 kilometers
Entry fees: $55 for 21K, $35 for 10K, $30 for 5K
Student/Military entries: $50 for 21K, $32 for 10K, $27 for 5K
Kualoa Ranch Adventure Walk: $25
Late registration/packet pick-up: Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Waikiki Beach Walk

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