This weekend, the Rockford community will come together once again for the 27th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford (MRTR), a USATF-certified 5K run/walk and Kids K benefiting Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). Since its founding in 1999 by the Peterson family, the event has raised more than $1.4 million to support research, advocacy, and care for families living with Duchenne.
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On Friday, August 22 at 3pm, a special ceremony will be held in downtown Rockford to dedicate the new Mitchell Peterson Memorial, honoring the life and legacy of Mitchell Peterson, in whose name the race was founded. Speakers will include Steve Peterson, Mitchell's father; Thad Beard, City Manager of Rockford; and Pat Furlong, Founding President & CEO of PPMD.
“When Mitchell was diagnosed with Duchenne just before his third birthday, our family could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around this event,” said Sandy Peterson, Mitchell's mother and co-founder of Mitchell's Run. “For nearly three decades, Rockford has shown up year after year with love, generosity, and determination to help us in the fight to end Duchenne. We are so grateful to all the families that have participated in Mitchell's Run, as well as this year's Race Directors, Lauren King and Jen Aldrich, all of whom have made this event so special. This year's memorial dedication ensures Mitchell's legacy will live on in the heart of Rockford forever.”
Since its inception, 100% of the proceeds from MRTR have been donated to PPMD to advance research and accelerate therapies for Duchenne. In 2013, PPMD awarded the race with a Change It Champion Award in recognition of their 15-year anniversary. The event has become a beloved tradition in West Michigan, recognized by Classic Race Management as “One of the Premier Running Events in West Michigan,” as well as being named “Most Organized Event in Rockford.”
“Mitchell's Run is far more than a race-it is a powerful testament to what a family and a community can do when united in purpose,” said Pat Furlong, Founding President of PPMD. “We are deeply grateful to the Peterson family and the Rockford community for their unwavering dedication to families living with Duchenne and supporting PPMD's mission.”
The 27th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025. To register or learn more, visitMitchellsRun.org.
About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenneis a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength.Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.
We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.
Everything we do-and everything we have done since our founding in 1994-helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne atEndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube.
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SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
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