850 million reasons to run by New York Road Runners
It all started with a devastating diagnosis in the fall of 2020. Multiple chemo treatments, a stem cell transplant and many marathon finish lines later, Peter joins NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer for a special LIVE taping of 850 Million Reasons to Run.
What happens when the person who saves your life is someone you’ve never met?
Ninety nine seconds—that’s all Peter’s lungs can manage on his first post-transplant run. But the shock of those agonizing 200 meters ignites an out‑loud promise to himself: Peter pledges he will run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, just 12 weeks away.
A Tour de France postcard is all Peter clutches as he steps back through the hospital doors, determined to earn a permanent cure. He’s about to take on the most demanding stage yet, flanked by bossy nurses, amazed pulmonologists, his devoted cavapoo, and his wife, Torun—all rooting for him along this personal, indoor Tour.
Meet Peter Kirk - a father, a New Yorker, and a runner - who found himself facing something far bigger than 26.2 miles.
