Pittsburgh native on year-long quest to run 50 marathons in honor of mother

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh-area native is gearing up for this weekend's marathon.  He's celebrating turning 50 with a year-long charity challenge in honor of his mother, who died of Alzheimer’s in 2001.

“It’s nice being back in Pittsburgh,” said David Knapp. “I think here in Pittsburgh it'll be an emotional one.”

The Knoch High School graduate will be running his 19th marathon this year.  It's all part of his year-long journey of running 50 marathons.

“I know she'd be touched,” said Knapp. “But I also think she would think I was crazy.”

When David turned 40, he ran 40 marathons to celebrate. Now for his 50th birthday, he's doing things a little differently.

“I didn't want to do it just for me,” said Knapp.  “I decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.”

His goal is $50,000.  As he approaches $10,000, he said he's focused on his father as well.

“In many ways I think I spend almost more time thinking about dad, because the caregivers have such a tough journey,” Knapp said.

David has to run more than 13,000 miles this year to reach his goel.  But, he says it is possible to actually take some time off along the way, if you run two or even three marathons in one weekend.

He doesn't consider himself a superhero, just a son who wants to pay tribute to his mom.

David's 50th marathon will be in Florida this November, so his dad can see him cross the finish line.

If you'd like to help David reach his $50,000 goal, you can get more information HERE.

WPXI