In My Wheels - Kyle Pease

Kyle Pease was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. In 2011, Kyle and his brother Brent founded The Kyle Pease Foundation to help individuals with disability participate through sports. Watch to learn more about Kyle. In My Wheels Vlog Series Produced by Kevin Enners.

---

Since KPF started in 2011, we have dreamed of a world where inclusiveness is the norm, and we’ve created a team and environment where employing people with disabilities is part of our everyday culture. As of today, we employ four individuals with disabilities who support our daily operations and are continuing the efforts of The Kyle Pease Foundation.

Kevin Enners works with the Marketing and Communications team to produce blog and video content for the Foundation. Kevin's current project is launching a Vlog Series titled "In My Wheels" where he features KPF Athletes. Stay tuned for his first Vlog on July 12th.

Our Partners at Lucie Content put together this short video showing the behind-the-scenes of what it takes for Kevin to do his job daily and support KPF.

To learn more, visit www.kylepeasefoundation.org/in-my-wheels-vlog.

Racing in The Big Apple - Kyleigh and Justin

Team Kyleigh at 2020 Virtual New York City Marathon event.

Racing in The Big Apple - finally, KPF Athlete Kyleigh Kramlich will be participating in the New York City Marathon with Teammate Justin Dugan. 

Like the song goes, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. For many athletes, this race is a bucket-list item. The legendary marathon has the reputation of being the largest 26.2-mile road race in the world, hosting renowned runners like U.S. Olympians des Linden and Jared Ward, as well as Paralympian Tatyana McFadden. Now, it’s Kyleigh’s turn.

She was set to take her mark in 2020. But then, the in-person New York City Marathon went virtual.  The KPF Community rallied around Kyleigh and Scott and other racers and celebrated with a virtual New York City Marathon event.  Still, their hearts were set on The Big Apple.

Justin Dugan at 2022 Marine Corps Marathon.

They would have to wait two more years. Patience paid off. Registration was submitted, planning was full-speed ahead and the KPF Team was ready to support them in every way. But, due to unforeseen circumstances, Scott had to pass the baton to KPF Race Team Founder Justin Dugan. 

Having run The Marine Corp Marathon on October 30, Justin will head to New York – for another 26.2 miles. Two marathons in two weeks is NOT easy.  But it will be worth it as Justin wants to give Kyleigh and her family the experience they have been waiting for.

We ask that you keep Kyleigh, the Kramlich Family, Justin Dugan and the KPF Support Crew traveling to New York in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days.  We will keep our followers posted as they race on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

Kayleigh is Racing the 2023 Boston Marathon

My name is Kayleigh Williamson. I'm 31 years old and I'm a Marathon Finisher. I have a jacket that says so on the back to remind myself of my accomplishments and also to prove it to the world. Prior to being a marathon finisher, I was barely even a runner. If I had a jacket at that point in time it may have said "Overweight, pre-diabetic, low blood platelets, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea with Down syndrome". I love the sound of Marathon Finisher way better than that. My mother was told everything I couldn't do. I don't focus on those things. Only on things, I can do with a lot of commitment, dedication, and stick-to-itness.

With a lot of help from my mom, encouragement from my late grandmother, dedication from my trainers, expertise from Weight Watchers, and an undeniable spirit, I've changed my course. I became the first woman with Down syndrome to complete the Austin Marathon and will soon be running as a Kyle Pease Foundation Athlete in the Boston Marathon in April of 2022. This is a dream come true. In addition to running and supporting The Kyle Pease Foundation, whose mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports, I will be Runner 321. Runner321 refers to Trisomy 21 (tri-21), the medical name for Down Syndrome. The Adidas company has ensured that the 321 spots are secured each year for people with a cognitive disability that wants to run a marathon, to ensure they too are represented. Adidas will cover most of our expenses to Boston while funds raised here will help in my training, transportation, and entry into other events. My ultimate goal is to complete a half-marathon in every state and with your help, I'm well on my way.

It is an absolute dream come true to be running the Boston Marathon representing two such incredible organizations. It is actually a dream come true to be running at all. But need I remind you? I am a Marathon Finisher.

Friendship Fueled By Inclusion - Seirra and Sarah

2019 was the year that brought Seirra and Sarah together. Inspired by Kyle and Brent’s journey to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Sarah wanted to support their mission of fighting for inclusion in sport. She volunteered for the Marine Corps Marathon and was paired to race with Seirra. They connected instantly and became a dynamic duo being inspired by each other's perseverance, grit, determination, and passion for the sport.

The morning of the MCM was a torrential downpour, one they could never forget. Sarah joked to Seirra that they would be swimming instead of running, to which Seirra responded that was okay with her as she loves the water. This is the moment in time they connected about their love for triathlon.

After the MCM Seirra told Sarah she hopes to come to Philadelphia one day so we could race again together. About a week later, Sarah called The Kyle Pease Foundation to see if they could support Seirra coming to Philadelphia for the Philly Marathon four weeks out. Without hesitation, the team got the ball rolling, and Seirra was Philly bound with her amazing family. Sarah and Seirra finished the race strong with a PR and in the snow!

Once the Philadelphia Marathon was conquered, Seirra asked Sarah if she would support her in becoming an IRONMAN. Sarah gave Seirra her pink Ironman hat and made the commitment to get the team to the starting line!

Sarah and Seirra were the first all-female team representing The Kyle Pease Foundation at an IRONMAN event in September 2022 at IRONMAN Augusta 70.3

While Seirra and Sarah have not crossed their IRONMAN finish line YET, they have their eyes set on Pushing Beyond Limits Together again in the future. They are forever grateful for your kind words of encouragement and continued support as we fight for inclusion in sport.