For 20 years, residents of Rockford, Michigan have been supporting PPMD’s mission to end Duchenne by participating in Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford. Created and organized by the Peterson family, in honor of their 22-year-old son Mitchell, this 5K and Kids for Kids Fun Run has attracted runners and families from all across West Michigan raising over $1,000,000 to date for PPMD. The 20^th Annual Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford will be held on Saturday, August 18.

“When Mitchell was diagnosed with Duchenne just before his third birthday, we knew as a family that we had to do something to raise money and awareness – not only to help Mitchell but to fight Duchenne for every child facing the same diagnosis,” said Sandy Peterson, Mitchell’s mother and the race organizer since its inception. “PPMD has been there for our family from the start and we believe in their mission to end Duchenne. We are so grateful to all of the families that have participated in Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford over the last 20 years, and we look forward to many more great races to come!”

Over the past 19 years, Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford has included over 10,000 participants, 1,000 volunteers, and several thousand spectators. The DIY Race event has been designated by Classic Race Management as “One of the Premier Running Events in West Michigan,” as well as being named “Most Organized Event in Rockford.”

Since its inception, organizers of Mitchell’s Run have donated 100% of all proceeds from the event to PPMD to help fund Duchenne research. In 2013, PPMD awarded the race with a Change It Champion Award in recognition of their 15 year anniversary.

“I have known the Peterson family since Mitchell was diagnosed – they have grown up with PPMD and their loyalty to this organization and their support of our mission is unparalleled. We are in awe of their fundraising efforts for the last two decades. Not only do they continue to host and organize this great event year after year, they have inspired and motivated other families in the Duchenne community to host events of their own. The Petersons continue to inspire PPMD with their energy, passion, and dedication,” said Pat Furlong, Founding President & CEO of PPMD.

Join the Fun

It’s not too late to join the fun! Register for the 20^th Annual Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford on August 18, 2018.

Create Your You Own DIY Race Event

You too can join the fight to end Duchenne! Reach out to the PPMD team so we can help you create your personalized DIY Race event for your community!