Marathon Row for a Cause: Bringing Free Dental Care to Honduras
I am Jacob Praetzel, a second-year dental student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and the 2024-2025 President of Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. For years, I’ve combined my passion for fitness with giving back, and this year, I’m bringing that effort to a new cause—raising funds for our annual mission trip to Honduras, where we provide free dental care to thousands in need.
When & Where?
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2024
Location: UltiMET Fitness – Pittsburgh, PA
⏰ Time: Start @1:00 P.M (Open gym at 12:00)
What is a Marathon Row?
A marathon row covers the same 26.2-mile distance as a running marathon—except it’s all done on a Concept2 rower. Participants can join as part of a team and split the distance, or a select few may take on the challenge of rowing the full 42,195 meters (26.2 miles) solo. The average finishing time for solo rowers is 3.5 to 4 hours.
Why Are We Raising Money?
Last year, Delta Sigma Delta embarked on a life-changing dental mission trip to Honduras, where we provided free dental care to over 2,000 patients. A team of 40 dental students, faculty, and hygienists worked tirelessly to treat those who otherwise would have no access to care.
With the support of donors, we were able to:
✔️ Fund the entire mission trip, ensuring every dollar went directly toward patient care.
✔️ Coordinate with local dental organizations and government officials to expand our impact.
✔️ Provide essential dental treatments, from extractions to restorations, that changed lives.
This year, we want to do even more, but we need your help. Your donation will go directly toward:
Dental supplies, materials, and instruments used to treat patients.
Travel and logistics costs to bring our team to Honduras.
Expanding our impact so we can serve even more people in need.
Why a Marathon Row?
We believe that earning your support means putting in real effort, not just asking for donations. That’s why we’re taking on this physically demanding challenge—rowing 26.2 miles, either solo or as a team, to demonstrate our dedication to this cause.
I have been doing CrossFit for 10 years, and in 2019 I decided to take on the challenge myself. That year, I rowed my first full marathon and turned it into a fundraiser for local food banks in Arkansas. Since then, I have done a marathon row annually, using it as a way to give back to different causes.
This year, I’m using the same challenge to support something even bigger—providing life-changing dental care to those who need it most.
How Much Are We Aiming to Raise?
Well in honor of 26.2 miles were going to set the starting goal at $2,620. I am confident however that we can surpass this goal, with the help of DSD alumni, and everyone's friends and family.
Goal: $2,620
Can I Watch or Join?
Live Stream: Follow along on Instagram @jpraetzel, @ultimet_fitness and @pittdsd to watch the entire event live!
️Want to Row? You can form a team to split the distance or challenge yourself to row the full marathon solo. Send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook to sign up.
Just Want to Support? Come cheer on the rowers, hang out, and support a great cause!
Every dollar raised brings us closer to helping more patients receive the dental care they desperately need. Thank you for your support—let’s row for a cause!
Check out what I was able to accomplish during the last marathon row fundraiser here!
Organizer
