Every Step Counts

John Tully ’26 Runs 24 Hours for Type 1 Diabetes Research

When John Tully ’26 stepped onto Johnson Track at 7 a.m. on Sept. 26, he knew he was facing one of the greatest physical and mental challenges of his life.

Twenty-four hours later, the Muskingum graduate had logged more than 72 miles, completed nearly 289 laps around the track, and raised $3,653 for the Breakthrough T1D Foundation, surpassing his original fundraising goal by more than $1,000.

But for Tully, the event, called 24 for a Cure, was never about the miles alone.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7, Tully created the fundraiser to raise awareness and support research while demonstrating that the disease does not have to define what a person can accomplish.

“Simply knowing that this event was not for me directly, but rather a demonstration of what is possible with living with Type 1 diabetes, I knew I had to keep moving regardless of the pace,” Tully said.

A 2026 graduate with degrees in Accounting and Business, Tully credits his lifelong experience with Type 1 diabetes, combined with years of running and competition, for preparing him for the challenge. Throughout the 24 hours, he experienced the physical fatigue and mental highs and lows that are common in endurance events, especially during the overnight hours between 3 and 5 a.m.

What carried him through those difficult moments was a constant reminder of why he had started.

“Ultimately a few mantras about why I am actually doing this event, in-person supporters, other T1D athletes, and the fundraiser in general, kept me going the entire time,” he said.

The inspiration for the fundraiser came from Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Tully recalled how the organization provided educational resources and support to his family following his diagnosis.

“I had always known JDRF to be the gateway into a successful post-diagnosis life living with T1D,” he said. “I felt like I needed to give back to this wonderful foundation by establishing my own fundraiser.”

The run also provided an opportunity to combine another passion that has grown throughout his life. After competing in cross country and track during high school and college, Tully has embraced ultrarunning as a way to test his limits. By pairing an ambitious endurance challenge with a charitable mission, he hoped to bring attention to diabetes research while showing others what is possible for people living with Type 1 diabetes.

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was the support he received from the Muskingum community.

“There was not an hour that went by the entire event that I was alone,” Tully said.

Former teammates, current student-athletes, friends, supporters, and community members joined him throughout the day and night. He especially remembers another Muskingum student-athlete living with Type 1 diabetes who ran alongside him for a mile during the evening hours.

“I cannot describe it, but it was a really cool feeling to have someone else there sharing the same experience I am going through in the moment,” he said.

Returning to Muskingum for the event made the experience particularly meaningful. Tully believes his years as a student-athlete provided the physical foundation for the challenge, while his academic experience helped develop the mental toughness required to complete it.

“Doing what is hard and not always choosing the easy path is what garners success,” he said. “I believe this attitude ultimately helped me do the training when it needed done and kept me going during the race, too.”

The event also served as a full-circle moment for the recent graduate.

“To be able to return to Muskingum for this challenge was a full-circle moment,” Tully said. “I felt like not only did I have to reach my own personal goals, but I had to yet again make others proud and accepting of my work.”

Beyond the fundraising total and mileage accomplished, Tully hopes the event leaves others with a simple message: do hard things.

Whether pursuing a fitness goal, advancing a career, or overcoming daily challenges, he believes growth comes from embracing adversity rather than avoiding it.

For others living with Type 1 diabetes, the message is even more direct.

“You are not limited because of this disease,” he said. “It is not a crutch. Do not be complacent and think that you are limited by T1D.”

Looking ahead, Tully plans to continue competing in ultrarunning events while advocating for greater awareness and understanding of Type 1 diabetes. He also hopes to organize future endurance-based fundraisers benefiting Breakthrough T1D.

Before looking toward future challenges, however, he remains focused on gratitude.

“This could not have been possible without the help of every single person involved,” Tully said. “From the University allowing me to use its facilities, to the dozens and dozens who joined me on the track, to my crew and all of the donors. I think I had the easiest job that day.”

For Tully, every lap and every mile served a larger purpose. By turning one day of extraordinary effort into support for diabetes research, he transformed a personal challenge into an example of perseverance, community, and hope.