Rockford's Mitchell's Run Celebrates 27 Years with a Heartfelt Dedication Ceremony
This weekend, the Rockford community will come together to celebrate an important milestone—the 27th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford (MRTR). This USATF-certified 5K run/walk, along with a Kids K, is organized to support the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a leading nonprofit in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). Since its inception in 1999 by the Peterson family, this annual event has successfully raised over $1.4 million, directly contributing to research, advocacy, and improving the quality of life for families affected by Duchenne.
On August 22, at 3 PM, a special memorial dedication will take place in downtown Rockford to honor Mitchell Peterson, the young boy whose name this race carries. This ceremony will feature heartfelt speeches from key figures, including Steve Peterson, Mitchell's father; Thad Beard, the City Manager of Rockford; and Pat Furlong, the Founding President and CEO of PPMD. Sandy Peterson, Mitchell's mother and co-founder of this event, expressed gratitude for the community's unwavering support, highlighting how the bond strengthened by Mitchell's diagnosis with Duchenne has turned this race into more than just a competition—it symbolizes unity, love, and determination in the face of adversity.
The Peterson family has been at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating resilience and commitment since they founded the race in honor of their son, diagnosed with Duchenne just before his third birthday. “We could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around this event. For nearly three decades, Rockford has shown up year after year with love and generosity to help us in the fight,” Sandy shared. This year’s memorial ensures that Mitchell’s legacy is commemorated within the heart of Rockford, a testament to the spirit of community engagement that the event embodies.
A unique feature of MRTR is that 100% of its proceeds have consistently gone to PPMD, aiding in their mission to advance research and expedite therapies for Duchenne. The recognition from PPMD, including the Change It Champion Award in 2013 for their ongoing efforts, reflects the race's significant impact over the years. In West Michigan, the event is regarded as one of the premier running events, even earning the title of “Most Organized Event in Rockford” by Classic Race Management.
Pat Furlong expressed the profound significance of the event, stating, “Mitchell's Run is far more than a race—it’s a powerful testament to what a family and a community can achieve when they are united in purpose.” Furlong emphasized appreciating the dedication the Peterson family and the broader Rockford community have shown toward supporting those affected by Duchenne and advancing PPMD’s goals.
The 27th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025. Individuals wishing to participate or seeking additional information can register by visiting MitchellsRun.org. The event not only promises an engaging and active day, but it also stands as a tribute to Mitchell and every family affected by Duchenne, creating a legacy of hope and community resilience.
Through its efforts, PPMD relentlessly fights to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ensuring that every individual affected receives optimal care, cutting-edge treatments, and a supportive community. Their advocacy has led to substantial funding and several FDA approvals that serve to enhance the lives of those living with this condition. Parents and families can find more information and support at EndDuchenne.org, and they are encouraged to follow PPMD on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to remain connected to the mission and community activities.
On August 22, at 3 PM, a special memorial dedication will take place in downtown Rockford to honor Mitchell Peterson, the young boy whose name this race carries. This ceremony will feature heartfelt speeches from key figures, including Steve Peterson, Mitchell's father; Thad Beard, the City Manager of Rockford; and Pat Furlong, the Founding President and CEO of PPMD. Sandy Peterson, Mitchell's mother and co-founder of this event, expressed gratitude for the community's unwavering support, highlighting how the bond strengthened by Mitchell's diagnosis with Duchenne has turned this race into more than just a competition—it symbolizes unity, love, and determination in the face of adversity.
The Peterson family has been at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating resilience and commitment since they founded the race in honor of their son, diagnosed with Duchenne just before his third birthday. “We could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around this event. For nearly three decades, Rockford has shown up year after year with love and generosity to help us in the fight,” Sandy shared. This year’s memorial ensures that Mitchell’s legacy is commemorated within the heart of Rockford, a testament to the spirit of community engagement that the event embodies.
A unique feature of MRTR is that 100% of its proceeds have consistently gone to PPMD, aiding in their mission to advance research and expedite therapies for Duchenne. The recognition from PPMD, including the Change It Champion Award in 2013 for their ongoing efforts, reflects the race's significant impact over the years. In West Michigan, the event is regarded as one of the premier running events, even earning the title of “Most Organized Event in Rockford” by Classic Race Management.
Pat Furlong expressed the profound significance of the event, stating, “Mitchell's Run is far more than a race—it’s a powerful testament to what a family and a community can achieve when they are united in purpose.” Furlong emphasized appreciating the dedication the Peterson family and the broader Rockford community have shown toward supporting those affected by Duchenne and advancing PPMD’s goals.
The 27th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025. Individuals wishing to participate or seeking additional information can register by visiting MitchellsRun.org. The event not only promises an engaging and active day, but it also stands as a tribute to Mitchell and every family affected by Duchenne, creating a legacy of hope and community resilience.
Through its efforts, PPMD relentlessly fights to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ensuring that every individual affected receives optimal care, cutting-edge treatments, and a supportive community. Their advocacy has led to substantial funding and several FDA approvals that serve to enhance the lives of those living with this condition. Parents and families can find more information and support at EndDuchenne.org, and they are encouraged to follow PPMD on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to remain connected to the mission and community activities.
Topics Health）
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