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.  

PrizePicks Partners with The Kyle Pease Foundation for The Jake Golf Tournament and For the Love of Inclusion Tennis Tournament

The Kyle Pease Foundation Announces Partnership with PrizePicks

The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF) is thrilled to announce its partnership with PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, in support of two marquee events: The Jake Golf Tournament and the For the Love of Inclusion Tennis Tournament. Both tournaments raise funds for KPF's annual grant program, which is dedicated to promoting inclusion in sports and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“KPF is proud to partner with PrizePicks, a company that shares our passion for creating inclusive opportunities,” said Kyle Pease, Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation. “This collaboration will amplify our efforts to bring people together through sport, while ensuring that every athlete, regardless of their abilities, can compete and participate.”

The Jake Golf Tournament and the For the Love of Inclusion Tennis Tournament are not only a celebration of athleticism and camaraderie but also a testament to the ongoing mission of KPF. These events, set to take place later this year, will directly benefit KPF’s grant program, which supports adaptive sports equipment, race entries, and other resources for athletes with disabilities.

KPF’s annual grant program has been instrumental in empowering athletes with disabilities by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to participate in endurance races and other sporting events. Funds raised from these tournaments will help further the foundation’s mission of breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive sports environment.

About The Kyle Pease Foundation
The Kyle Pease Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by brothers Brent and Kyle Pease in 2011. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond. KPF provides opportunities for inclusion in athletics, from marathons to triathlons, empowering athletes with disabilities to cross the finish line and achieve new heights. For more information, visit www.kylepeasefoundation.org.

About PrizePicks
PrizePicks is the largest skill-based daily fantasy sports operator in North America. Recognized as the Fantasy Sports Business of the Year by the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association and as the Fantasy/DFS Operator of the Year by EGR North America, PrizePicks is a fun, fast and simple version of daily fantasy sports.For more information, visit www.prizepicks.com.

Racing for a Cause: Steve Barth’s Pursuit of Passion and Community

Written By Kevin Enners

Steve Barth’s journey as a triathlete and advocate for inclusion with The Kyle Pease Foundation is a testament to perseverance and community impact. Inspired by Julie Moss’s iconic 1982 IRONMAN World Championship, where she crawled across the finish line despite extreme exhaustion and dehydration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA, Steve channeled that spirit into his triathlon career and serves with KPF as a board member and volunteer. Steve is a member of KPF’s Kona Team competing in the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in October.  Barth and the foundation aim to raise one million dollars to grow KPF’s Inclusive Employment Program and continue helping athletes with disabilities achieve their goals.

Barth completed his first triathlon at age 14, which sparked a lifelong love for the sport. He has since participated in numerous Sprint and IRONMAN events, including the 2023 IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3, marking his return to triathlons after a 12-year hiatus. Racing with KPF at the 2023 IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3 reinforced his belief in the transformative power of sport and community.

Barth’s involvement with KPF began after witnessing Kyle and Brent’s 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He soon joined the board and became a passionate advocate for the foundation’s mission to empower athletes with disabilities in sports and beyond.

“The beauty of sport is that it forces us to pause our daily life and do something different … do something hard. Everyone should have that opportunity and KPF is giving so many that opportunity.”

Barth's professional background as a portfolio manager and financial analyst has shaped his approach to both life and athletics. His ability to manage risk, make informed decisions, and maintain consistency has played a significant role in his training and racing strategies. Barth views his triathlon training as another form of risk management, always focusing on how to maximize his potential while mitigating risks.

Despite his successes, Barth’s journey has not been without challenges. In preparation for 2024 IRONMAN World Championship, he faced a health setback which cost him nine days of training.  And, though his fitness may not be where he wants it to be, overcoming this obstacle only deepens his resolve to finish the race. His determination speaks to his belief that success lies not in perfection, but in showing up and giving it your all – a principle he teaches his children.

“I have a golfer, a baseball player, and an equestrian,” Steve says. “My kids all are very interested in athletics, but they have pursued their own passions that inspired them.  This is something I have told them since a young age…find something you are passionate about and do it to the best of your abilities.”

Whether it’s managing his career, training for triathlons or supporting KPF athletes, Barth’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how Passion, Process, Perseverance and Patience – the four “P’s” he strives to live by – can lead to success both in sports and life.  On October 26, 2024, Steve Barth will be racing with joy and passion in his heart.