Parkinson’s Runners Support Davis Phinney Foundation at Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge

February 10, 2023

Team DPF runners, one newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, will compete at the iconic North Carolina event on February 25, 2023, to raise funds to support the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.

Black Mountain, N.C., February 10, 2023 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Two experienced ultra-runners will represent the Davis Phinney Foundation at the Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research and education. Robert Barker, from Montreat, North Carolina, and recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, has been running this event for 26 years! His recent diagnosis inspired him to create a fundraiser for Davis Phinney Foundation programs. In this year’s challenge, Robert will be joined by Nico Brooks, a Boulderite and good friend of the Davis Phinney Foundation.

With a starting altitude of 2,360′, the elevation gain for this 40-mile run will be 4,324′ in the first 20 miles! Race founders Wendell Begley of Black Mountain Savings and Trent Thomas from Black Dome Mountain Sports saw a need for this event for elite athletes and weekend warriors. Their goal was to design a race that was physically accessible while offering the opportunity to test oneself against the often-uncooperative forces of nature.

“I am fundraising for the Davis Phinney Foundation because, as a fairly newly diagnosed person with Parkinson’s, I have discovered a great organization with great people and great resources. I have already utilized the Davis Phinney Foundation to benefit my Parkinsons journey.”
– Robert Barker

Team DPF runners will attend a happy hour open to all at 4 pm on February 24, 2023, hosted by Davis Phinney Foundation Executive Director Polly Dawkins and Team DPF Manager Lauren Kehn. For details or to RSVP, click here.

The Davis Phinney Foundation, a national non-profit organization, partners with events and athletes of all abilities each year, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s quality of life. These efforts are part of the Foundation’s grass roots fundraising community,  “https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/teamdpf/” Team DPF, in support of research and education aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s live well today. The program is open to all who have the desire and drive to make a difference for people and families affected by Parkinson’s. Team DPF supporters raised over $1,000,000 to fund the Foundation’s free educational resources, community programs, and quality of life research in 2022.

Research funded by the Foundation has indicated the needs of those affected by Parkinson’s often exceeds the resources available to help them. The Foundation’s research into what improves quality of life has proven that staying physically and socially active are critical in living well with Parkinson’s. Its education and community programs reach over one million people and families each year to help them live better lives.

The Davis Phinney Foundation was founded by Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney in 2004 to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. The organization’s focus is to provide programs, early-stage research, and resources that offer inspiration, information, and tools that enable people living with Parkinson’s to take action to immediately improve their quality of life. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease – second to Alzheimer’s – and affects more than one million people in the United States. The Foundation’s work impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals and families each year.

Team DPF is the grassroots fundraising community that supports the Davis Phinney Foundation through participation in athletic and community-based events. With a focus on fun, personal empowerment, and fundraising for Parkinson’s, Team DPF welcomes all ages and abilities. With roots in cycling, Team DPF also extends to runners, climbers, swimmers, community events, and more. Team DPF is sponsored by: Primal, Sur Phytoperformance, Skratch Labs, BOCO Gear, Wahoo Fitness, Trek Bicycles, Acorda Pharmaceuticals, Outside Events, and Baker Insurance.

Visit dpf.org to learn more.