Runner to Cross State for Parkinson's Research
Local ultramarathoner Scot DeDeo will run 154 miles this November to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Running
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On Nov. 7, 2026, 46-year-old runner Scot DeDeo will begin a 154-mile trek across Massachusetts to raise money for Parkinson's research. DeDeo expects the journey from Richmond to Boston's Castle Island to take between 36 and 40 hours.
Why it matters
DeDeo is undertaking this 9,000-foot elevation challenge to raise $8,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of his mother. The event highlights the role of individual endurance challenges in driving awareness and charitable support for neurodegenerative disease research.
The effort is a charitable fundraiser seeking $8,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The performance goal for the 154-mile course with 9,000 feet of elevation gain is a completion time of 36 to 40 hours.
The players
Scot DeDeo
An experienced ultramarathoner and race director who is completing a 154-mile run to support Parkinson's research.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
A prominent non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through research.
The details
DeDeo, a seasoned ultramarathoner who has completed the Tahoe 200, prepares for the crossing using high-mileage training sessions featuring back-to-back long runs. The route traverses the state from Richmond to Castle Island in Boston, requiring participants to manage intense physical fatigue over an estimated 36 to 48 hours of continuous movement.
Timeline
Nov. 7 to Nov. 8, 2026: The 154-mile cross-state run occurs.
Health Landscape
This run aligns with the grassroots fundraising tradition that sustains the Michael J. Fox Foundation's mission to accelerate Parkinson's research. It operates alongside ongoing clinical trials and pharmacological developments aimed at treating the disease's underlying causes.
If you are interested in contributing to Parkinson's research, you can support the effort directly via the official donation portal. For those with a family history of Parkinson's, discussing recent research-backed screening options with a neurologist remains a standard proactive step.
The takeaway
Supporting charity-driven research efforts helps fund essential studies into neurodegenerative conditions. Interested supporters can monitor the progress of the $8,000 goal via the fundraiser's official tracking link.
Further reading
Learn more about the local endurance community and upcoming regional events in Running.
More information
To contribute to the research fund, visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation donation page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Belmont Voice.
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