Father-son duo Brian and Mark Upton are no strangers to a challenge. They raced and run in some iconic triathlon events, including multiple Iron Man challenges. Brian is 70 yrs old and has been competing in triathlons for over 40 yrs as an elite, age group champion and Ironman age group winner. What remarkable dedication!
This year, they are taking on the Gold Coast Marathon, not once but twice, racing the half marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday, all to raise funds for Shake It Up Australia Foundation. Have a read of their story below.
What inspired your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?
Brian’s wife/my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago and we are all on this journey together as a family to help her with the fight and hopefully one day see a cure not just for her but for other families affected.
What are you doing to shake things up and fundraise?
We have been lucky enough to compete in a few races together of the past few years and run under the @2uppystri FB and Instagram page. Most events we do, we always try to emphasise the benefits of keeping fit with family connection, especially a father and son relationship, through fitness events specifically triathlons and also try our best at raising awareness and funds for several charities.
One thing we have learnt are the challenges that Shake It Up (in Australia) and international Parkinson’s charities have on a day-to-day basis to raise awareness and funds to support people with the disease and for a cure one day.
Through the Gold Coast Marathon, we hope to raise not only more awareness for a need of a cure but much needed funds as well.
We have had some amazing companies jump on board and donate some incredible prizes to help drive the donation push to our page. Over $1000 worth and a major prize valued at over $700. Our sponsors are:
Fisiocrem Australia
P3 recovery gold coast
Prepd
Pillar performance
We also got an amazing offer from a café in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast called Butlers Tea Room and Noshery who will donate 50 cents from every coffee sold this weekend to our donation page. So if you’re in the area – get there this weekend!
People can jump on our 2uppystri Facebook and Instagram page to see more.
What advice do you have for others looking to do a charity fun run?
Find a connection with the group, share your reasons – your “WHY” – with as many people as possible and of course have fun while raising awareness.
Follow Brian and Mark on their challenge and donate to their fundraising page.
Could you challenge yourself to run, swim or walk and raise funds for Parkinson’s? We need your help to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and vital funds for research towards a cure. Find out how you can get involved today.
100% of all funds raised will go directly towards cutting-edge Parkinson’s Research for better treatments to slow, stop and prevent Parkinson’s progression.
