Southern California Athlete Ran All of the 26.2 Miles of the Boston Marathon Backwards, Despite Brutal Weather Conditions

Los Angeles native and Disney movie production lawyer, Loren Zitomersky (aka “The Backwards Guy”) recently ran all of the 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon backwards. Despite 25 mph winds, heavy rain and near-freezing temperatures, he crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 43 minutes, 59 seconds.

In June 2017, Loren qualified for the Boston Marathon and decided he wanted to do something that would help create awareness about epilepsy and raise funds to End Epilepsy to honor his brother’s memory. Loren’s brother, Brian, had epilepsy and tragically passed away after suffering non-stop seizures while asleep.

“When I qualified for Boston with a 3 hour, 14 second marathon, I immediately told myself I’m going to go big with my epilepsy fundraising and awareness campaign,” said Loren. “I stumbled upon the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run backwards and decided to embark on this backwards journey and attempt to break the current Guinness World Record achieved in 2004 at the Beijing Marathon.”

Getting Epilepsy in the News

Although the harsh weather conditions impacted his world record attempt, Loren has put epilepsy on the map. His efforts have spread far and wide, not just in the U.S. but also in Canada, the UK, Bolivia and Czech Republic. To date, his backwards journey has been covered by 262 news organizations, such as the Associated Press, USA Today and The Boston Globe, and his story continues to get traction. He has raised more than $65,000 so far for the Epilepsy Foundation to help End Epilepsy. The money raised supports the Foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States.

Raising Epilepsy Awareness is a Family Affair

Loren started raising money alongside his dad since he was 12 years old to create awareness of epilepsy through long-distance bicycle rides, triathlons and marathons, and because they didn’t want other parents, families and kids affected by epilepsy to feel alone. Together, they have raised more than $300,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation by doing long-distance bike rides, marathons and an Ironman.

“Even though, I did not break the World Record at the Boston Marathon, I am not disappointed by any means. This campaign has brought a voice to so many people with epilepsy. I know I’ve changed lives and inspired people. Who would have known it would have been backwards running? The last several months have been the single greatest experience in my entire life. It’s been fulfilling and makes me rethink my life’s purpose. I’ve learned a ton and grown as an individual,” Loren said.

Take 26 Steps for Epilepsy

But his fundraising doesn’t end at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Loren recently kicked off the 26 Steps Backwards to End Epilepsy Challenge encouraging people to take 26 steps backwards and donate $26 forwards to help End Epilepsy. All the money raised by Loren will go directly to the Epilepsy Foundation to support local programs for families affected by epilepsy — such as camps, family day and workshops — and research and awareness to support the nationwide fight to End Epilepsy. To accept the 26 Steps Challenge and donate, please visit 26Steps.org. Continue to follow his journey @BostonBackwards and Facebook/BackwardsGuy.