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During the past two years, hundreds of runners ran their first-ever marathon or half marathon virtually. Now, many of those runners are looking forward to 2022 when they get to run the distance for the first time in person and with other runners and spectators! One of those runners is Cassandra Donaldson, who will be running the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon while raising money for the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania.  

“The Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania is a charity I now hold near and dear to my heart,” Donaldson said. “My younger brother was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 33 and as a previous runner himself, I felt this was a great way to help give back.” 

By participating in the Run for a Reason program, she is helping to raise money to support local programs and the 12,000 families with Parkinson's throughout 23 counties in Western Pennsylvania. Even though the 2020 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events was cancelled, she ran virtually on World Parkinson’s Day and completed her first half marathon while raising more than $700 for the Parkinson’s Foundation Western Pennsylvania.  

“In 2020, my parents made signs for the start, halfway mark, and finish line! I loved having a ribbon to cross; it was such a thoughtful gesture for my first ever half!” Donaldson said.  

When the race was cancelled again in 2021, she kept her commitment to run for a reason and once again ran virtually on World’s Parkinson’s Day to support her brother. 

  

Cassandra is ready to run with thousands of other runners and cross the finish line on Boulevard of the Allies in person on May 1, 2022! Her goal is to run a sub-2 hour half-marathon. 

“I’m most looking forward to the crowds!” Donaldson said. “I ran the [Fleet Feet] Liberty Mile Pup Trot, Great Race 10K, and the FlyBy 5K so far this year, and the energy is amazing. It really keeps you going when you want to slow down. I truly believe Pittsburgh has some of the best fans, and that’s no different when it comes to cheering for their runners.” 

In addition to running with other runners and spectators, Donaldson is also looking forward to visiting the Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo, getting a team picture with her fellow charity runners, and celebrating post-race. 

“I cannot wait to see my friends and family at the finish line for my first in-person half,” Donaldson said. “And then we eat! This year I’m already thinking pizza will be my treat for finishing — after I eat my Smiley cookie, of course.”  

To learn more about how you can Run for a Reason, click here.