UA Professor to Run NYC Marathon for Health Research

Benjamin Boudreaux, an exercise scientist with diabetes, aims to set a personal record in New York.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Running

UA Professor to Run NYC Marathon for Health Research

Live Poll

Do you prioritize personal physical activity goals to help manage your long-term health?

Benjamin Boudreaux, an exercise science professor at the University of Alabama, is set to compete in the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. Boudreaux aims to leverage his personal experience managing autism and type-one diabetes while chasing a new personal record.

Why it matters

Boudreaux uses his distance running to study exercise programming for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions. His participation highlights how structured physical activity can serve as an integral part of health management for people living with diabetes.

The Athletics Integrity Unit recently issued multi-year bans for two elite runners, including a six-year suspension for Ruti Aga and a five-year ban for Albert Korir, following confirmed doping violations. The specific physiological impacts of CERA and other banned substances on long-distance performance remain a subject of ongoing anti-doping investigation.

The players

Benjamin Boudreaux

An assistant professor of exercise science at the University of Alabama who researches movement and health.

Athletics Integrity Unit

The international body responsible for managing anti-doping and integrity programs for professional track and field athletes.

Ruti Aga

A professional marathon runner currently serving a six-year doping ban for using a fake prescription.

Albert Korir

A professional runner who received a five-year ban following a positive test for the substance CERA.

The details

Boudreaux applies his academic background in exercise science to develop precise training protocols that accommodate his type-one diabetes and autism. By managing blood glucose levels through carefully timed nutrition and monitoring, he works to maintain metabolic stability during high-intensity endurance events. His training regimen focuses on balancing the physical demands of long-distance running with the strict maintenance required for his personal health conditions.

October 2025: Albert Korir tested positive for the substance CERA.
November 2025: Albert Korir placed third in the New York Marathon.
March 2026: Ruti Aga tested positive for methylprednisolone.
November 1, 2026: Benjamin Boudreaux runs in the New York City Marathon.
January 2031: Albert Korir's doping ban expires.

Health Landscape

Professional endurance sports currently operate under strict oversight from the Athletics Integrity Unit to ensure fair competition via standardized testing protocols. Parallel to this elite focus, researchers like Boudreaux are expanding the study of how exercise science can improve functional outcomes for individuals with specific metabolic or neurodivergent health needs.

For readers managing chronic conditions like diabetes, Boudreaux's training illustrates the value of working with a clinical team to monitor metabolic response to exercise. It is always worth discussing the appropriate intensity and safety protocols for endurance training with your primary care physician.

The takeaway

Effective health management through exercise often requires a data-driven approach tailored to individual physiological needs. Consider keeping a detailed log of your own physical activity and health markers to review during your next annual wellness checkup.