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Platypus Run & Virtual Walk Your Best Friend: Dog or Human

Join us for the first annual Platypus Run, a joyful, family-friendly 5K run and 1K fitness walk weaving through the beautiful Los Poblanos Open Space in Albuquerque, NM!

We are so grateful for Catherine, a pericarditis patient, who is volunteering her time to put on the Platypus Run as a fundraiser on behalf of the Pericarditis Alliance!

Event Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Los Poblanos Open Space

If you can’t make it to the in-person event, join us for the Virtual Walk Your Best Friend: Dog or Human event happening the same week! People who have pericarditis are told to keep their heart rate under 100 bpm to promote healing of the pericardium and reduce the risk of having a recurrence. Patients are told walking your dog is a good way to ensure your heart rate remains low during exercise. Join in solidarity where ever you are with pericarditis patients by walking whatever distance you choose with your best friend, dog or human!

Run/walk with us. Support the cause. Help bring awareness to a condition that deserves to be seen.

No Pain, All Gain!

Register for the Event Here

The endearing reason Catherine named the event the Platypus Run

“Living with recurrent Pericarditis not only affects almost every aspect of life for the patient, but also for the patient’s family. As I struggled to understand my diagnosis, so did my 7-year-old daughter. To help her cope with the anxiety, I knew I had to conceptualize things in a manner understandable to a child. Around this time, I overheard both my daughters talking about a Platypus cartoon character named Perry. “That’s it!” I thought. I went online and ordered a generic Platypus stuffed animal with floppy limbs and super soft fur. I presented him to my daughters as, Mr. Perry Carditis. I explained that Perry would now be a part of our family. We would continue to live our lives with Perry in tow but without fear. After all, what’s scary about a cuddly soft stuffed animal? Slowly, I saw my youngest daughter’s anxiety melt away. Sometimes she would ask me how Perry was doing and I knew she was really asking how I was feeling. Truth be told, it helped me too.”

Want to Sponsor the Event?

Support individuals all across the country battling with Pericardial disease. Support community wellness and outdoor recreation. Gain visibility with local families and runners. Align your brand with a cheerful, memorable event.

 

Become a Sponsor Here!

🥇 Gold Sponsor — $1,000

  • Logo placement on race shirts 
  • Exhibitor table with promotional items 
  • Logo placement on event flyers and banners
  • Logo placement on running bibs
  • Logo placement on registration page and mass emails
  • Verbal acknowledgment during event announcements

🥈 Silver Sponsor — $500

  • Logo placement on event flyers
  • Logo placement on registration page and mass emails 
  • Verbal acknowledgement during event announcements