Beyond The Finish – KPF’s Vision For 2025

State of the Foundation, Written By Kevin Enners

Brent and Kyle Pease, Co-Founders of The Kyle Pease Foundation

At its heart, The Kyle Pease Foundation remains deeply committed to endurance sports as a means of inclusion. Since 2017, KPF has grown from supporting 59 athletes to 150 athletes completing 1,274 races in 2024. As we look ahead, our goal for 2025 is even more ambitious: expanding participation, strengthening employment programs, and deepening community partnerships.

“The core of what we do is racing,” Brent explains. “When you look at where we are today, it is built on the heels of that participation. That allows us to have more people who are interested in employment or furthering themselves in life outside of just the racing component.”

But our impact extends beyond the finish line. Kyle emphasizes the foundation’s broader vision. “We want to get better at making that move ‘beyond the finish line’ as impactful as our racing success.”

Expanding Opportunities in 2025

In the coming year, we are committed to increasing athlete participation while expanding life-changing support in employment, leadership, and personal growth. As KPF grows, so do the challenges of managing more athletes and forming new partnerships.

“We have more people to manage,” Brent admits. “It has raised the stakes. We are thinking more about how to continue, expand, and offer more within the framework of the foundation.

For Kyle, these challenges represent opportunities. “For me, it’s putting out good fires. Every day is a new challenge and a good learning experience for me to understand where we need to grow and how we can support our employees.”

Building Stronger Partnerships

KPF’s success depends on strong collaborations with businesses and donors who believe in inclusion. This year, we are excited to welcome new partners, like Gunnerson Tree Company, while expanding existing relationships with companies like Prize Picks. These partnerships not only provide financial support but also create employment opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

“We hope to continue to grow our partnerships and individual donor base,” Brent shares.

Through racing, employment initiatives, and community-building, KPF continues to push boundaries, ensuring that no athlete is left behind.

Our Legacy and Call to Action

Even after more than a decade of competition, Kyle and Brent’s passion remains strong. Racing is more than just a sport — it’s a shared experience that strengthens relationships and opens new doors.

“I always envision my legacy as leaving it better than I saw it,” Kyle reflects. “If I can move the needle for just one athlete, then I did my part.”

As we move forward in 2025, our mission remains the same: proving that anything is possible when people race together. We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether through participation, partnership, or support, let’s make this year our most inclusive yet. 

KT Partners with The Kyle Pease Foundation for Giving Tuesday

Championing Inclusive Opportunities for All

This Giving Tuesday, we at The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF) are thrilled to partner with KT Tape to further our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond. Together, we are working to create a more inclusive world, ensuring that every person with a disability has the opportunity to experience the joy and empowerment that come with participation.

Who We Are

Founded in 2011 by brothers Brent and Kyle Pease, The Kyle Pease Foundation was born from a shared vision of inclusion. After completing their first triathlon together, Kyle and Brent recognized the transformative power of sports to connect and inspire. They wanted to share that sense of community and achievement with individuals with disabilities, sparking the creation of KPF.

With our 501(c)(3) status established in early 2012, we began supporting athletes with disabilities, providing grants, adaptive equipment, travel assistance, and family support. Over the years, we’ve empowered athletes across the nation to participate in road races, triathlons, and other events. Today, we continue to expand our reach, guided by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the connection, pride, and joy that sports bring.

The Impact of Partnership

KT Tape shares our vision for inclusion through their purpose of "Empowering movement to unleash every body's potential." Their dedication to making movement accessible to all aligns perfectly with KPF’s mission, and together, we’re breaking down barriers to inclusion in sports.

What Giving Tuesday Looks Like

Giving Tuesday is a Global Day of Generosity celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a day to come together, give back, and support causes that make a difference. This year, we’re proud to collaborate with KT Tape to create meaningful opportunities for inclusion. Here’s how you can join us:

• Shop with Purpose: On December 3rd and 4th, KT Tape will donate one product per order made at kttape.com to The Kyle Pease Foundation. SHOP NOW

• Donate at Checkout: From December 3rd to December 13th, add a donation to your order at checkout on KT Tape’s website. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting KPF athletes.

• Direct Donations: Prefer to donate directly? Visit kylepeasefoundation.org/donate to make your contribution.

Looking Ahead

At The Kyle Pease Foundation, we believe sports have the power to transform lives by fostering inclusion, resilience, and community. This Giving Tuesday, we’re grateful to partner with KT Tape to bring more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to thrive.

Join us in our mission to build a world where everyone can experience the thrill of competition, the joy of community, and the pride of personal achievement. Together, we can make inclusion more than a vision—it can be our shared reality.

Racing Through the Big Apple | 2024 TCS New York City Marathon

Written By Kevin Enners

The air buzzed with excitement as the first rays of sunlight reached the streets of New York City. Amid the 50,000 runners surging forward was a small contingent of athletes donning The Kyle Pease Foundation’s branding with pride. 

They could not be missed as they ran at a brisk pace. With KPF Teammate Eric Rusiecki’s feet echoing behind her and his pink unicorn hat playing with the breeze, KPF Athlete Seirra Bennett had a front-row seat to the awesome sight of thousands of runners and the invigorating cheers of spectators.

 “Running together brings out the best in us,” Seirra said. “Knowing that I'm part of a larger community of athletes who share a passion for running is truly exhilarating.”

Eric jokes that Seirra is the brains behind their operation, saying, “She’s way smarter than me, so she ensures everything goes smoothly — I’m just along for the ride!” The pair had spent months meticulously planning every detail of the race, from pacing strategies to matching outfits. The key to their success lies in their shared focus and camaraderie. “It’s easy when we all align on one goal: finishing while having the most fun!”

Seirra and Eric participated in this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, thanks to the generosity of our partners at Silverton Mortgage. They were joined by an incredible team of a KPF Ambassador, Jared King, and seven Race Team Members: Evan Pease, Meg Weigel, Max and Linda Levy, Heather Bongers, Jackie Giles, and Erika Brookes.

Together, this year’s KPF team raised over $28,000 to support The Kyle Pease Foundation’s mission of empowering athletes with disabilities. These funds will help provide adaptive sports equipment, cover race entry fees, offer travel accommodations for athletes and their families, and fuel initiatives like KPF’s Inclusive Employment Program.

Meg Weigel couldn’t wait to experience the energy of the crowd. Meg remarked that there is something “uniquely American” about The Big Apple.

While running for KPF, Meg has spread awareness about the foundation in her community. Privileged to share Kyle and Brent's inspiring story and their mission to boost inclusivity in sports and beyond, Meg embraced the challenge stating, “I’m honored to be here and feel a small part of this incredible movement.”

Evan Pease shared his enthusiasm for representing his brother’s nonprofit. As a steadfast supporter of KPF, Evan is focused not only on raising money and awareness for inclusion, but on finishing the marathon having had a fun experience and feeling “a sense of joy and pride at the end (versus pain)!”

For aspiring athletes, regardless of ability, Seirra acknowledges that the first step is often the hardest, as it requires putting oneself out there. “Don’t be afraid to seek support,” Seirra says. “Remember that every step forward is progress. Celebrate each milestone along the way. It’s all part of the journey.”

 As Seirra and Eric crossed the finish line together, the crowd erupted in cheers. 'We did it!' Eric exclaimed their smiles a testament to months of preparation and the power of teamwork. Upon finishing The TCS New York City Marathon, KPF’s entire race team took another step forward in the journey to make sports more inclusive for all.

The Pease Brothers Break Boundaries at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championships

Brent and Kyle Pease pass the iconic Hoyt duo and set a new push-assist record at the most challenging single-day endurance event on Earth

Brent and Kyle Pease have shattered the push-assist duo course record at IRONMAN World Championship (IMWC) in Kona this past weekend, completing their second race after debuting in 2018. The finish earned them the title of two-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher and cements them into the triathlon history books, further placing the global spotlight on athletes with disabilities and the noble mission of The Kyle Pease Foundation. 

Flying the banner of a more inclusive workforce and society as a whole, the brothers conquered 140.6 miles on a hot, overcast and windy day in Kona. Finishing the 2.4-mile swim in 1:09:56, the 112-mile bike ride in 8:10:13 and the 26.2-mile run in 4:28:45, they crossed the finish line with a time of 14:08:03 to claim the course record for push-assist duo team.   

“After countless hours of training and pushing beyond our limits, crossing that finish line for a second time was a dream turned reality - and setting the new push-assist duo record is something that’s beyond our wildest dreams,” said Brent Pease, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Kyle Pease Foundation. "IRONMAN World Championship tested us in ways we couldn't have imagined, but each mile was a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork and the belief that anything is possible. Racing alongside my brother Kyle - and advocating for a more inclusive workforce, sports and society overall - shows the world that athletes of all abilities belong here. You can scale mountains and make a difference."

Defying Limits and Advocating for Athletes with Disabilities

Beyond crossing the finish line, Brent and Kyle had one mission: ensure athletes with disabilities are seen and valued, as well as demonstrate that endurance sports are for everyone, regardless of ability. The brothers, alongside three other teammates - all board members of The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF) - raced on behalf of the 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports, the workplace and beyond. 

Since its inception in 2011, KPF has raised more than $10 million in support for individuals with disabilities. This year, the foundation is on a mission to raise $1 million to directly support its Inclusive Employment Program, a transformative project designed to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. This program is set to support eight individuals with disabilities over the next three years, creating a foundation for their long-term success and independence. 

"Being out there on the course with Brent was a reminder of just how far we've come together," says Kyle Pease, Co-Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation. "The IRONMAN World Championship was a challenge that pushed us to our limits, but every moment was filled with the joy of proving what’s possible when you have a valiant cause, like fighting on behalf of thousands of people with disabilities. It was about more than just the finish line—it was about showing that everyone, no matter their abilities, deserves the chance to chase their dreams."

Pedals of Progress: A Journey on The Silver Comet

Silver Comet Trail Ride 2024
Written by Kevin Enners

In all my years cycling on The Silver Comet, I had never been there on a weekday. It was a surprisingly serene Thursday morning when we arrived to meet everyone. The parking lot wasn’t our usual spot near the Florence Road Trailhead, but rather the Publix shopping center near the Mavell Road Trailhead. At first, my dad and I glanced around reluctantly, unsure if this was where we were supposed to meet Kyle and Brent. Then, spotting the infamous KPF truck, I wiped the nervous sweat off my brow. I was glad to see board members Jason and Steve, Operations Manager Zach, and Volunteer Extraordinaire Mike. Then, I saw the film crew. 

Jokingly, I said to Kyle, “You didn’t consult my PR manager on this.” Kyle laughed and explained they would be filming this ride as part of the Kona campaign.

I wasn’t planning on riding the full 94 miles, my dad and I hadn’t been training for a ride of this magnitude. We had an accord we wouldn’t ride beyond 30 miles. Equipped with two bottles – one filled with water, the other with an electrolyte-drink mix (shaken, not stirred) and no nutrition, we were not prepared for a much longer ride. After the introductions, group pictures were taken, the film crew did their thing, and we were off to the trailhead.

Cycling has always been about more than just the miles for me. My dad and I share a bond on the bike that has shaped our experiences. But it’s not just about family — it’s also about community — it’s about the people I ride alongside. On this particular ride, I found myself surrounded by teammates who believe in and support KPF’s mission. There’s something special about being part of a team where everyone has a shared purpose, a purpose far bigger than any individual. The Kona campaign isn’t just about endurance; it’s about raising one million dollars to create inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I have had the opportunity to highlight these very special individuals in recent KPF blogs.

With each pedal stroke, the trail seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very path was cheering us on. You could feel the energy of everyone involved, not just those of us riding, but the whole crew. By the time dad and I hit the forty-mile mark, something shifted. We threw caution to the wind and decided to push ourselves further than we’d planned. Neither of us had prepped for the long haul, but the momentum—and maybe a bit of stubborn determination—kept us going. We knew it would be tough, but once we made it that far, turning back wasn’t an option. We were surrounded by incredible people on a picture-perfect day. Why would we want to stop? 

Knowing that this ride was contributing to something so impactful made every push, every hill, feel more meaningful. The team heading to Kona is not only challenging themselves physically but also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for so many others. Every pedal stroke felt like a step toward progress, a way of showing the world that inclusion and opportunity go hand in hand.

As we rolled into Anniston, exhausted but exhilarated from the 94-mile journey, we all met for pizza. Whether it was the quality of the pizza or simply the fact that I was famished after such a long ride, I devoured it like it was the best thing I had ever tasted. It was the perfect reward for the challenge we'd just conquered, and in that moment, nothing had ever tasted better.

This gave my dad and I the opportunity to get to know the other KPF cyclists a little more. On a prior ride at Columns Drive, I had the opportunity to meet a cool young cyclist named Nate. Nate signed up as part of the KPF Ambassador Team and is an awesome athlete.

That ride to Anniston reminded me of how far we can push ourselves when we set our minds to it. The Silver Comet Trail had tested us, but it also gave us a deep sense of fulfillment. Throughout my years of cycling, I have been fortunate to have my friends and family support me. Cycling was never about who was the fastest or who could ride the most miles. It was about learning about each other and myself. It was about exploring new trails. It opened up a world of possibilities for me, enabling me to go wherever I wanted. It was and still is, freedom. 

Though this ride was just a microscopic training segment for the Pease Brothers’ return to Kona, I felt like I had contributed to helping show what’s possible when people come together.