As part of the class’s goal to participate in charitable events and enjoy each other outside of class, the UK Physician Assistant Studies Class of '24 decided to take a break from the arduous academic year and put into practice “healthy brain – healthy body” by participating in the Ultramarathon event at “The Survive the Night Relays” on June 17-18.

Radiation oncologist Dr. Johnathan Feddock organizes this annual event at UK’s Kroger Field to raise money for Ironcology, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients and their families by providing funds to cover expenses for transportation, food, and lodging.

Our team of 10 classmates ran as many two-mile loops as possible in 12 hours. This was not only a great bonding experience for us, but it symbolized what the event is about: A cancer diagnosis not only affects the patient, it affects the loved ones around them, and everyone has to work together as a team to accomplish the goal of surviving. Although “surviving the night” is not comparable to what cancer patients experience, our classmates bonding together in that 12-hour period was priceless.

We would like to spread the word about this great charitable event. It is open to all fitness levels and includes not only the Ultramarathon relay, but a marathon (26 miles) relay and a long distance triathlon (140 miles) relay.

And, in case you were curious, we won 1st place in the COED Ultramarathon relay, logging 80 miles in 12 hours! 

—Diana Delcher and Micah Bragdon,
PA Class of '24