Alumnus Running Backwards for a Cause Close to Heart

"The number one thing I hear is, 'You're going the wrong way!'"

Law alumnus Loren Zitomersky (JD '09) set his sights on running an entire marathon backwards in order to help find a cure and fund programs to better the lives of individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Loren says, "I'm attempting this feat in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles (EFGLA) in furtherance of my quest to end epilepsy and in remembrance of my brother, Brian, who passed away from epilepsy at the age of seven."

On April 16, 2018, Loren will run the entirety of the Boston Marathon backwards - not finish line to start line, but quite literally turned around.  The Boston Marathon, no less, is one of the world's most elite running competitions. In addition, he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest backwards marathon (currently: 3 hours, 43 minutes, 39 seconds).

But why do it backwards?

"In certain ways, having epilepsy is like going through life backwards - you cannot see what is ahead of you because seizures can happen at any time."

ABC 7 Eyewitness News recently featured Loren and provided a glimpse into the training that goes into running an entire marathon in this grueling fashion. He told reporters, "The pain and the struggle that I'm feeling when I'm running backwards is temporary. For them, they live with this struggle and the difficulties every single day." (See the video here)

Last year, Loren ran the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (forwards, not backwards) and raised $14,190 for EFGLA and people living with epilepsy.  This year, he has set his sights much higher with a goal to raise $100,000 and as much awareness as possible for this debilitating neurological disorder. Loren expresses his gratitude for the ongoing support he receives from the Pepperdine Law family.

Keep up with Loren's pursuit by following him on Instagram (@bostonbackwards).

For more information about the need for epilepsy research and and care and to support Loren's fight to end epilepsy, you can visit his site bostonbackwards.com.