PhD student living with LGMD to play key race starter role in the Bidwells Oxford 10k

Tristan Boedts is currently studying for a PhD and has a long track record of adventures and challenges, including a year-long solo trip and hiking to Everest Base Camp, as well as taking part in last year’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. He also has limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Tristan tells us why he’s excited to be our official race starter for the Oxford 10k.

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I like to think I have a pretty positive outlook on life and try to push myself, academically, personally and physically.

Living with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) doesn’t define me, and I want to show that people with muscle wasting conditions just want to live normal lives. Normality is often robbed from us, not because of our condition but because society isn’t built to accommodate us. Imagine trying to travel by train without using stairs or doing food shopping in a wheelchair.

“That’s why supporting charities like Muscular Dystrophy UK is so important. Not only do they offer support and help to fund research into new treatments, but they also advocate for the community when it comes to issues like accessibility.”

Growing up, I think I wanted to be an astronaut or a pilot. But as I got older this developed into a love of knowledge and wanting to understand how things work, which has led me to the world of academia. Luckily the university supports me with accessibility features such as a raised bed and ground floor accommodation, and I’m able to set my own schedule, which works well for someone with my condition as sadly I have lots of sick days. Doing a PhD is obviously hard and can be very stressful but at least I can do the work when I want to.

After taking part in the Bidwells Oxford 10k in May 2024 – walking and assisted by my wheelchair, I went on to sign up for the Bidwells Cambridge 10k in October and walked the full course. But there’s no hero story here, I just do it because it’s fun!

“Perhaps if I overthink it, there’s an element of wanting to show myself I can still do this, but at the end of the day I’m just figuring out life like anyone else. I have ups and downs, but events like this are definitely an ‘up’.”

My condition has deteriorated since I took part in the event last year. My walking has got slower, and nowadays I find it hard to get up from a chair. Mentally, it’s not easy. The reality is that my condition will get worse and the constant decline and loss that I, and others like me, feel is immense. Yet, I remain hopeful that one day a cure will be found and the money raised at events like this certainly helps Muscular Dystrophy UK to work towards that.

“I’m excited to be the official race starter for the Oxford 10k this year. Last year, it was fun to reach the finish line before everyone started packing up! I’ll be walking again this year – starting first and finishing last; that’s pretty funny to me!”

But jokes aside, I feel lucky to be able to walk in events like this. Lots of people with LGMD, or other types of muscle wasting condition, are not able to do so. I have friends who have the same condition but are not able to walk anymore. I know they would love to do something like this, but they can’t. However, they still show such resilience and strength. I will be thinking of them on Sunday 11 May.

I’d like to say thank you to everyone taking part in the Oxford 10k, especially those who are fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK. It’s a fun event and I’m excited to be part of it, helping pave the way for a better future.

If you see me on the day, give me a wave as you run past or buy me a pint after the race!

Find out more about the Bidwells Oxford 10k

Chip-timed and fun, these races are perfect for runners aiming for a personal best as well as those looking for a more fun, relaxed run for a good cause. Join others in an atmospheric day. Together we can make a difference.