Medtronic Marathon a Resounding Success For Fundraisers

October 22, 2021

Team DPF ran, raised funds to benefit people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers

Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – One of the most beautiful and fun-filled races in the country is the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, drawing runners and people who love to give back, to Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Already looking ahead to 2022, the storied road race will be celebrating its 40th year. Several members of Team DPF, the fundraising team for the Davis Phinney Foundation, participated this year and will return for that triumphant 40th year. The Davis Phinney Foundation, founded by world-famous cyclist Davis Phinney, raises funds and provides events, education and programming for people with Parkinson’s to live their best lives today.

To learn more about the 40th anniversary of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, or to be one of the first to register for the special event, go here. The “First to the 40th” distinction with special pricing is limited to the first 2,000 runners. Registration will re-open to all early in 2022. Team DPF runners can register now for the special anniversary T-shirt and gift, and contact the marathon to add their Team DPF status. They can also register early next year. There will be a full weekend of fun events to mark the occasion.

“DPF is an amazing organization. And running for them to raise money that will be used to benefit those with Parkinson’s is my way of contributing,” said William Mitchener who ran with Team DPF this year. “Having Parkinson’s sucks and I often feel like ‘damaged goods’ and running enables a feeling of normalcy while helping to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s.”

Research shows that exercise, even strenuous exercise, has a measurable positive impact on the health of people with Parkinson’s who are able to do so. William celebrated his own victory this year.

“I’m a runner who has not been able to run since November of 2020 when I had major back surgery. My surgeon advised me to refrain from running until May of 2021 which I did, but when May came around some other health issues occurred: One being a fractured Tibia which resulted in me being on crutches for most of the summer. In essence my Victory was being able to run again.”

Team DPF has already raised nearly $1 million this year. To learn more about Team DPF and the events the team has scheduled, visit here. There is no cost to participate, and people who raise certain levels at Team DPF events can earn incentives including branded Team DPF gear. People raise money from family, colleagues and friends, or by setting up their own social media pages. If you have specific questions, you can email teamdpf@dpf.org.

Team DPF accounts for about 35 percent of the funds that are raised by the Foundation annually, and offers fun, supportive experiences for participants at some of the best rides, runs, and walks across the country. With just a few events left in 2021, people interested in joining should join the newsletter where a complete calendar of 2022 events will be announced soon!

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 that can immediately improve their quality of life. Parkinson’s is the No. 2 neurodegenerative disease – second to Alzheimer’s – and affects more than 1 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 a wide range of 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, hikers, community events and more. Team DPF is sponsored by: Primal, AltRed, SCRATCH Labs, Wahoo SUF Training, Rick Baker Insurance, Amneal, Supernus, Catrike, and Carmichael Training Systems.

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